CWMBRAN boxing coach Gary Lockett insists he couldn’t give a damn about the haters and critics who are lambasting the proposed world title fight between Roy Jones Jr and Enzo Maccarinelli.

Maccarinelli, the former WBO cruiserweight world champion, is set for a stunning chance at becoming a two-time champion, as he’s scheduled to face American legend Roy Jones Jr.

Jones, who famously lost to Joe Calzaghe in Calzaghe’s last fight, at Madison Square Garden in 2008, has won eight straight at cruiser.

A five-weight world champion, Jones jumped straight for super middleweight to light heavy, He’s never won a cruiserweight world title, which would make his a ridiculous six-weight champion, should the fight go ahead.

Maccarinelli returns to the ring for the first time since March when he faces an as yet unnamed opponent at the Newport Centre this Saturday and should he win, he’ll earn a WBA ranking with the fight being sanctioned.

And if that happens, the improbable clash between a 46-year old Jones and 35-year old Maccarinelli will become a reality, likely on November 28.

And Lockett insists it’ll be a case of ‘to Russia, with love,’ because he’s got no time whatsoever to worry about what the naysayers think.

“I couldn’t give a damn that people will say this isn’t a world title calibre fight, if it happens,” said Lockett. “Nor, I’m sure, will Enzo.

“I don’t care what anyone says, and I know people will want to pour scorn on it.

“Ultimately, jealously is an epidemic of modern British society, in my view.

“It can be people within boxing, but in life it can be your own friends and family.

“If people don’t feel Enzo deserves this opportunity, they are entitled to that view.

“But I see him in the gym every day, the fans have seen his career and I don’t see why on earth he should’ve contemplated turning down such a wonderful opportunity.”

The Swansea boxer last fought for a world title in April 2014, losing to WBA light-heavyweight champion Juergen Brahmer after suffering a badly cut eye in an early clash of heads. He’s been campaigning for sometime at light-heavy, but doesn’t feel he’ll have a problem moving back to cruiser, especially against a naturally smaller opponent like Jones.

Maccarinelli, who has 39 victories and seven losses, got back to winning ways with a first-round stoppage of Gyorgy Novak in Manchester in March 2015 after the disappointment of the Braehmer fight.

Lockett admits the potential career-changing chance did come as a surprise.

“Enzo gets a call from Frank Warren, asking, would you be interested in a world title shot? Of course he is. Then he finds out it’s potentially going to be against Roy Jones. His reaction? Even better. And I think that’s completely understandable.

“If people want to moan about the fight, they can, I’m a boxing trainer and manager, I don’t need to worry about gossip.

“I’m not in the business of listening to them, nor am I in the business of looking a gift horse in the mouth. Potentially, that’s exactly what this chance is.”

There is plenty of local intrigue for Gwent fight fans ahead of the latest show at the Newport Centre.

The show is headlined by Gary Buckland’s younger brother Mitchell Buckland, essentially flying the flag for the Buckland name following Gary’s retirement.

The younger Buck, who is undefeated in nine professional outings, is set for a light-welterweight rematch with Ally Black in pursuit of the Celtic Championship, following a non-title clash in July in Bournemouth.

Buckland, 22, will bid to become a two-weight Celtic champion having beaten Newport’s Craig Woodruff for a lightweight title. It will be Buckland’s first fight in Wales in close to 18-months.

Newbridge’s former Commonwealth champion Bradley Pryce will also feature, only his second fight in Wales in the past four years. The 34-year old has started training fighters at his own gym, but is seemingly not ready to hang the gloves up yet.

And Pryce will join the Buckland brothers by making it a family affair as younger brother Darren Pryce will rematch Ricky Leach as both men seek a first professional career win.

There is also a return to the ring for a former member of the famed Team Calzaghe stable, Swansea’s James Todd whose older brother Chris played football for Newport County AFC.

After nearly four years of inactivity, Todd returned in 2013 and is working with Cwmbran’s Gary Lockett (on a management deal) and trains in his hometown.