FRANKIE GAVIN, the British and Commonwealth welterweight champion, expects to fight in February to defend one of his titles.

He’s in the gym training for what he hopes will be a big 2015. After losing a split decision to Leonard Bundu last August, he wants to work his way up the world rankings. Bundu went on to fight Keith Thurman last weekend in Las Vegas. “It shows where I was on the verge of getting to. They’re not much better than me. The fight could have gone either way, some thought I nicked it, others thought he nicked it. At the end of the day it weren’t meant to be but it shows where I’m capable of getting to and that’s the aim,” Frankie said.

Gavin has learned from that experience. “I don’t have to question myself whether I can dig deep, whether I can take a shot,” he said. “At least I proved myself, if it does come to it, I can dig deep and have a go.”

The Birmingham talent has fought frequently this year, most recently outscoring Bradley Skeete on the big show at the ExCel at the end of November. “He was very negtative,” Frankie noted. “When I stepped it up a bit I think he got a bit nervous, of the occasion, I think he got a bit nervous.

“I know he did better than people thought [he would] and some people thought it was close but even his corner were shouting that he needed a knockout after eight rounds. They were telling him to come forward and throw and he wasn’t.

“A couple of times I stepped back just to see if he’d come forward and he wouldn’t. He should have really come forward and he wouldn’t. It was two counter-punchers in the ring as well. Because of his reach and length I had to do the work really.”

“I want a few fighters who come forward a bit, who come to fight. Skeete weren’t made for me,” Gavin added. “David Barnes was another negative fighter, Bradley Pryce was another awkward fighter who you don’t really need and that unknown African [Sacky] Shikukutu – you don’t see all the other fighters at my level getting fights like that.

“They don’t suit my style.”

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