19.06.07 – By Tony Nobbs: Former Australian junior middleweight champion Gavin Topp has informed eastside that he’s decided to retire. Gavin turned professional in 1995 after an amateur career of 19 bouts. In 1999 he unsuccessfully challenged for the Commonwealth title, losing on points to then WBC number 6 Tony Badea in Canada. The following year he won the Aussie title by out pointing fellow Queenslander Les Crowe. He made one defense, a decision win over Josh Clemshaw before retiring, making a comeback in 2005.
Gavin’s biggest night of his career came last December 2 when he traveled to Germany to face former WBA & WBO champion Felix Sturm. “Toppy” was stopped on cuts by the German doctor in the 6th round.
Sturm has since regained the WBA belt. Gavin then fought a Technical draw with Nonoy Gonzales in February before being stopped at the end of round six by Nonoy for the PABA middleweight title in April.
A well schooled boxer with a good work ethic, Gav lacked the real power to make a big impact on the world scene and cuts were always a problem, most notably in his wars with Nonoy, who he decisioned at Tweed Heads in May of last year. That eight rounder was a better slugfest with Gav receiving 22 stitches (Thankfully Bill Colledge was on duty that night in the corner!) than their last meeting shown live on Fox.
Gavin’s first defeat as a pro was a cut eye stoppage in his tenth start to gutsy trial horse Ron Jeffs in one he was clearly dominating. Better wins Gav recorded early days were over David Youd, Heath Stenton, Renal Mercado (who KO’d Jake Rodriguez), Abel Parker, Fighter Seaufale, Brandon Wood (Qld Title), Steve Marks and Setefano Vasuibau. He then won 4 straight fights on the comeback. He sparred regularly with Anthony Mundine prior to the Sam Soliman fight.
A born again Christian and successful businessman on the Gold Coast, Gavin, 34, finishes with a 20-4-3 record with 4 KO wins. Throughout his career he was trained by Shane Plewes, Brendan Smith, Ray Giles and Danny McGrail. Last year he was in the WBO top 10.
We wish Gav all the best in future endevors and you can expect a full interview in the coming months with the couragous fighter who’s ticker can never be questioned by those who witnessed his three epics with Gonzales.