Hot Welsh talent Lewis Rees looks to close the year with a sparkling performance at the First Direct Arena in Leeds this Saturday as he targets domestic glory in 2014.

The 24-year-old from Tonypandy, trained by Cwmbran's Gary Lockett, takes on experienced Pole Krzysztof Szot over eight rounds on the undercard of Stuart Hall’s challenge for the Vacant IBF World Bantamweight title against Vusi Malinga, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

All-action Rees, trained by former WBU World Middleweight Champion Gary Lockett, is unbeaten in eight fights with five KO’s and holds the Welsh Area crown.

Currently fighting at welterweight, Rees will be dropping down a division to light-welter in 2014 and has targeted the British or Commonwealth belts.

First he has to get through Szot who’s extended British fighters Scott Cardle, Chad Gaynor and Tyrone Nurse the distance this year.

“I’m looking to close the year with a good win up in Leeds against Szot and go into 2014 with the British and Commonwealth belts in my sights,” Said Rees.

“Szot is experienced, strong, he’ll get the best out of me. He’s taken some of the lads over here the distance this year and hasn’t been stopped for the last two and half years so if I can get to him early and stop him it will be a great end to the year for me,”

“I’ve got a nutrionist on the team and I’ll now be campaigning in the light-welters next year. I’ll be strong and fast at the weight and I’m looking forward to climbing up the rankings towards a British title.”

Lockett is thrilled with his protege and is looking forward to big things next year. He said, “Lewis is a super-talent and I’m really pleased with his progression. He's signed a new deal with Frank Warren and he’ll be very busy next year which will suit him and we’ll definitely see improvements with each fight. He’s looking to make a statement in Leeds against Szot and then towards a big 2014.”