Birmingham star Frankie Gavin has begged promoter Frank Warren to get him a title shot – just like close friend James DeGale. Gavin will box on the huge May 15 event at West Ham’s Boleyn Ground at Upton Park, stepping up to the eight round distance for the first time in his career. And the 24-year-old ace, Britain’s first ever Amateur World Champion, wants to fight for a championship belt this year. Frankie, unbeaten in six fights as a professional, has been spurred on by the fact DeGale has been handed a title shot at Upton Park. “James is a special talent and it’s great that he is stepping up at this stage of his career,” said Frankie..
“He’ll do the business at Upton Park and I’m hoping my fight’s on before his so I can cheer him on from ringside.
“But I’ve told Frank Warren that I’m ready as well.
“My amateur career was like having 15 or 20 professional fights, so I can be fast-tracked.
“I’ve felt in my last few fights that I am ready for anyone domestically.
“Last time out I took every round off Peter McDonagh, and no one has done that to him before.
“He’s fought for a few titles before including the English, so I’m there or there abouts.
“There are some great fighters at light-welterweight in the UK, and obviously you’ve got the likes of Ricky Hatton, Junior Witter and Amir Khan at the top, but I’d fancy my chances against any of them.
Warren added: “The plan is for Frankie to have this eight rounder in May and then step up it again in the summer. He’s been superb in every fight, and it’s a question of when he wins a title, not if.”
‘Hammer Time’ is headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career – the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain’s hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.
Sexton Tells Williams To Come Out Of Hiding
Sam Sexton has told Danny Williams to stop hiding and turn up for their British heavyweight title fight on May 15 – so he can knock him out. Commonwealth champion Sexton is set for a unification fight with Williams at West Ham’s Upton Park. But with Williams becoming increasingly eccentric as he nears the end of his career, Sexton wants to be the man to end the Brixton Bomber career and hopes he turns up on the night. If he doesn’t, Sexton’s promoter Frank Warren will call for Williams to be stripped of his title, and for Big Sam to fight for the vacant belt.
“I just hope Danny comes out from hiding and is there on the night because I want his name on my record,” said Sexton, who has recovered from the hand injury which ruled him out of challenging Williams in December.
“He’s a great boxer with some great names on his record and I desperately want to scalp him.
“I know Danny has only got a couple of fights left in him, but he’s a very dangerous customer.
“I’ve sparred with him before and believe me he can punch. Your power is the last thing to go and Williams is capable of knocking out absolutely anyone.
“If I fight him I’ll have to be careful but my confidence is sky high at the moment and I’ll be too quick and too powerful for him.
“Believe me, I’ll knock him out in a couple of rounds.
“2009 was a big year for me. I beat Martin Rogan twice in Commonwealth title fights and I felt my all round game improved and I became a championship fighter rather than a prospect.
“Taking the next step and fighting Williams for the British title is very important to me. But if Danny doesn’t want the fight then I am happy to face whoever Frank Warren puts in front of me.”
‘Hammer Time’ is headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career – the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain’s hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.
Tickets for ‘Hammer Time’, priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250, are available from:
West Ham Ticket Hotline: 0871 222 2700*
Website: www.whufc.com
See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260*
Website: www.seetickets.com
*Subject to booking fee.
DeGale Challenges For First Title
Olympic champion James DeGale will fight for his first title on May 15 at Upton Park, West Ham – and says it will be the first of many. DeGale, who has only had six professional fights, will challenge for the Vacant WBA International super-middleweight title over 12 rounds. “I’ve done 10 rounds in sparring, but I feel ready for the step up,” said DeGale. “I’ve had a lot of amateur fights, a lot of experience before I turned professional, and people are going to see another wicked performance from me.
“I’m looking forward to hearing the bell go for rounds nine, 10, 11 and 12 so I can prove to people that I can do the championship distance.
“But to be honest I don’t think the fight will last that long because I’m feeling so confident at the moment. If I win this fight it will give me a good ranking with the WBA as well and get me noticed all around the world.”
The belt has previously been held by current British champion Paul Smith, and DeGale may not be far off challenging for the Lonsdale belt.
“I was there on Friday night when Smith beat Dodson, and I don’t think I’d disgrace myself at that level,” he said.
“The only thing that is really holding me back is the experience, and by stepping up to championship level I’ll be getting it.
“I won’t be saying that I’m the best in the world after winning this title, but I’m definitely going in the right direction and I see myself at championship level from now on.
“I want the British, Commonwealth and European titles at super-middleweight and then I’ll move on to the world scene.”
Promoter Frank Warren added: “I don’t think many young fighters have stepped up this early in their career, but James is a special talent.”
Tickets for ‘Hammer Time’, priced at £30, £40, £50, £80, £150, £200 & £250 are available from
West Ham Ticket Hotline: 0871 222 2700
Website: www.whufc.com
See Tickets Ticket Hotline: 0871 2200 260
Website: www.seetickets.com