When Brook vs Gavin was announced, it wasn’t quite the title defense boxing fans had been wanting to hear. The bout is set to headline a stacked UK fight card in London, which will also feature championship bouts featuring Kevin Mitchell and Lee Selby. Fans of rising Heavyweight Anthony Joshua will also be pleased to see him on the May 30th bill.
But Frankie Gavin (22-1, 13 KO) insists he isn’t arriving just to make up the numbers. In fact, the Birmingham fighter plans on proving his many detractors wrong. A statement needs to be made against Brook, and Gavin feels he has the skills to do it.
With only a month’s notice from Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn – who promotes both fighters – Gavin still signed the contract without hesitation.
“The late notice didn’t hinder my preparations at all because I was already in camp,” said challenger Gavin. “I boxed on March 28 and was back in the gym straight away because I was due to fight again on May 9.”
Gavin, who enjoyed a remarkable amateur career, and captured gold at the 2007 world championships, was unbeaten in 19 fights until he came up against a fine European-level fighter. That man was Leonard Bundu, who won a Split Decision back last August. It was only to be Gavin’s first defeat – but they often carry huge repercussions in boxing.
Since that night, Gavin has rebounded with three consecutive wins, his latest a shutout decision over Bogdan Mitic. Not known for his knockouts or over-aggressiveness, it is Gavin’s technical ability and elusiveness that is often praised. Gavin, who fights southpaw, obviously wanted to bring this to attention.
“Kell has done well against southpaws but you have to remember who they are and who I am. Jo Jo Dan stood there, flatfooted, and Kell teed off on him all night. I’m difficult to tag cleanly and I take every advantage out of being a southpaw that I possibly can.”
If Gavin can pull off the upset, it will of course hand him the key to entering the Welterweight top-10 ranks. The likelihood of that happening is more than unlikely, however. Brook, who captured the IBF title from Shawn Porter in 2014, and defended it against Jo Jo Dan in March this year, is just too good.
On paper. And in reality, no doubt.
Sheffield-born Brook (34-0, 23 KO) is a highly-effective, composed boxer, who carries fight-changing power in both hands. He’s also very economical with his punches which speaks volumes of his boxing education.
For what it’s worth, we hope this fight can go some rounds, if only for the sake of UK boxing fans who have forked out for the pay per view event. Who knows? There may a surprise or two in store.
Sky Subscribers can catch the ‘Rule Britannia’ card from 5pm on Sky Box Office. It will of course come as the second major fight of the weekend, following Khan vs Algieri. See our Weekend TV Boxing Schedule.
Here’s your chance to have your say on Brook vs Gavin. Will Gavin pose any threats to the stronger, formidable Brook? Or will Brook breeze past his latest challenger to remain champ? Let us know below!
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