Hot prospect Frankie Gavin will now headline at London’s York Hall this Saturday (19th February) after former gym Tony Bellew withdrew because of a hand injury. Gavin, Britain’s only ever world amateur champion, will face tough Welshman Jason Cook in an eliminator for the British Light-Welterweight title, replacing Bellew’s Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title defence against Ovill McKenzie..
The Birmingham star was already featuring on the undercard in an eight-rounder, but is now elated that he’s the main event on the show.
He was due to box last December in Liverpool against Dean Harrison, but had to withdraw because of flu.
Cook formerly held the European Lightweight title and last year battled it out with British Light-Welterweight Champion Lenny Daws to a draw.
“I’m fit and ready to go and can’t wait for this Saturday knowing that a win will get me closer to a shot at the current British champion Lenny Daws,” said Gavin.
“I really feel for Tony and am gutted that he’s had to pull out, he really wanted to get in the ring again with McKenzie and do a job on him after their fight last December,”
“Tony will at least be happy that his best mate is taking his top spot on the show though!
“This is great opportunity for me to really put myself in the limelight and show what I can do against a tough former European champion,”
“Cook has got plenty of experience and he will come to give me a hard fight, I’m ready for the step up to face him and show that I’m in the new kid on the block,”
“I’ve stated in the past that Daws is the man I want and that British title that he’s holding for me, a good win over Cook will put me close to him.”
“This will only be ninth fight, but like James DeGale, I want that Lonsdale belt around my waist.”
JENNINGS WARNS RIVALS
Michael Jennings has warned his welterweight rivals – including Kell Brook – that he’s a new man.
Former world title challenger Jennings fights in an eliminator for the British title on March 12 in Scotland at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow.
He takes on Edinburgh’s Gary MacMillan in what could be an explosive clash.
And Jennings believes that his rivals shouldn’t write him off.
“I’m in my 30s, but I don’t think there is a boxer in Britain who is in as good a shape as I am,” said Jennings.
“I was gutted to lose to Kell Brook on a cut at a time when I thought that I was just coming into the fight.
“I still feel that I can beat Brook, and I’m desperate for another chance against him.
“If Kell goes on to win a world title, then who better than me to make a first defence against?
“I’ve still got so much to offer at the very highest level.”
However Jennings is refusing to get too far ahead of himself.
“McMillan is going to be a tough nut to crack,” said the Chorley star.
“He’s awkward and he is going to be up for it in front of his own fans in Scotland.
“But as well as wanting a rematch with Kell, the other big thing playing on my mind is winning back the British title.
“I still feel I was robbed against Young Mutley.
“That fight seems like a long time ago now, but I never got another chance to fight for the British title, and it’s always annoyed me.
“A perfect 2011 would see me take that Lonsdale belt back and then beat Kell Brook to lift a world title.”
Ricky Boylan Set For Double Action In Coming Month
Carshalton’s ‘Pretty’ Ricky Boylan has a busy month ahead of him, with two fights scheduled just a few weeks apart, as he prepares to establish his credentials as one of the future stars of the British Lightweight division.
Back in December the former London ABA finalist impressed on his professional debut, against Birmingham’s Sid Razak at the excellent ‘Judgement Day’ event.
It was hard to think that Boylan was debuting, as his performance was exceptionally slick and mature in it’s approach. Round after round Razak was having to cover up as Boylan peppered him with solid combinations to the head and body.
In the final round ‘Pretty Ricky’ changed tactics and boxed on the back foot but still Razak was unable to get any semblance of control due to Boylan’s impressive movement and powerful combinations. Surprisingly the referee deemed the fight as a 59-56 points win for ‘Pretty’ Ricky and not the clear shut out it was.
Boylan’s scintillating performance not just grabbed the headlines but also the attention of promoters Miranda Carter and Steve Goodwin, who were quick to invite him to fight on their upcoming shows.
The first of these events is this coming weekend, when 22 year old Boylan faces the experienced Welsh banger Craig Dyer, at the Miranda Carter promoted ‘The Force of Destiny’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Sunday 20th February 2011.
Just four weeks later, on Saturday 19th March, Boylan will make the trek from his Surrey home to the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, Essex, where he will go against the even more experienced Kristian Laight at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘Essex Eruption’ event.
Following a training session at Johnny Eames’ Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London, ‘Pretty’ Ricky took a few moments out to talk a little about his upcoming fights. “Yeah I’ll be out twice in the next month, It’s good, I want to be busy so I’m really pleased about this.
I said to Johnny (Eames) I just want to be busy this year so it’s good to get two within the month. It’s all good.
On the 20th February I’m fighting Craig Dyer on Miranda Carter’s show at York Hall. His record aint the best but he’s tough, comes forward and he’s strong. I’ve got to stick to my boxing.
Then I’m boxing on the 19th March as well on a Steve Goodwin show in Dagenham. I’ll be against Kristian Laight.
I made a few mistakes on my debut, I was watching a few things. I’ve got to sometimes sit back and look for the opportunity before I throw my shots, instead of just throwing them for the sake of throwing them.
But, I’ve just had the one pro fight so I’m still learning.
I’ll be three and 0 by the end of March hopefully.”
THE FORCE OF DESTINY – SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2011
‘Pretty’ Ricky Boylan versus Craig Dyer takes place on Sunday 20th February 2011 at the Miranda Carter promoted ‘The Force of Destiny’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.
Tickets for THE FORCE OF DESTINY are priced £30 (Unreserved) and on sale NOW. book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA or call 07960 850645,
ESSEX ERUPTION – SATURDAY 19th MARCH 2011
Ricky Boylan against Kristian Laight is four weeks later at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘Essex Eruption’ triple headlined event at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, Essex on Saturday 19th March 2011.
Tickets for ESSEX ERUPTION are priced £35 (Unreserved) or £60 (Ringside) and on sale NOW.
For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or in person at The Ultrachem TKO Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.