It has been a stuttering start to 2015 for British boxing with January delivering a couple of cancellations that saw the handbrake temporarily applied. Firstly, Anthony Crolla being cruelly robbed of his lightweight world title opportunity and then heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua pulling out of his contest with Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson at O2 Arena in London with a back injury.
Thankfully, ‘temporarily’ is the operative term here and a year, which started in disappointment, has turned full circle with a series of announcements and upcoming events that have the fans purring and the vehicle moving forward once more.
From Martin Murray’s visit to the Grim Reaper’s office when he faces Gennady Golovkin in February to the return of IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook, after a tumultuous year in March and everything that surrounds and transpires in between has saw to it that the stew is well and truly bubbling.
Over the course of this article, we will take a look at the latest developments that look to improve such a concoction even further.
Boxing Back On British Terrestrial TV
When much loved Belfast stylist Carl Frampton returns to the ring in his home town on 28th February to defend his IBF super-bantamweight crown against Chris Avalos, he will do so on terrestrial (free) television.
Following in the most recent footsteps of Carl Froch (v Jean Pascal) and Amir Khan (v Paulie Malignaggi), Frampton’s bout will play out live on ITV’s flagship channel ITV1, with the undercard being broadcast upon ITV4.
This promises to be a positive move from Cyclone Promotions headed up by national treasure Barry McGuigan, who have moved quickly to bring world championship boxing to a wider audience who are unable to pay for the privilege.
Unlike Al Haymon’s agreement with NBC, this would look to be a one off event in the interim. But, it is worth noting that ITV has gaps to fill since losing the rights to cover the UEFA Champions League football and presumably with money to spend, future events are a real possibility.
With the combination of his likability, personality and ability, I don’t see a fighter in British boxing better suited to lead the terrestrial revolution.
Frankie Gavin Signs With Matchroom
The door finally looks to have opened for Frankie Gavin, who this week signed with leading promoter Matchroom. As always with the incredibly talented former world amateur champion, it is up to him to walk through it.
Gavin will be straight into action on the Kell Brook v Jo Jo Dan undercard on 28th March against a yet to be named opponent. He will then go on to headline in Birmingham on 9th May.
In true Matchroom style the midlander will be kept active and I for one believe he will be delighted. Too many times has he had to wait long period’s between bouts, where the mind can wonder and life begins to interfere.
The more active Frankie Gavin is, the more fluent and apparent his talents will become, whether that’s enough to make an impact on the booming welterweight division is another matter.
Regardless of the result, he deserves the platform to display his considerable skills and with Matchroom, sink or swim, he will get it.
Adam Etches Given The Chance to Shine
Finally, the inclusion of Adam Etches on the Kell Brook v Jo Jo Dan in his hometown of Sheffield seems like a masterstroke.
The middleweight division domestically is red hot at the moment, with the list of contenders too long to mention. Etches is one name that has slipped under the radar slightly. However, when he faces the seasoned veteran Sergey Khomitsky in front of raucous crowd at the Motorpoint Arena, I expect this to be rectified.
Etches has looked impressive dispatching 15 of his 18 opponents early and remaining unbeaten. With his likable demeanour and crowd pleasing style he looks set to make a big impression.
