FRANKIE GAVIN will look to fulfil his vast potential under a new training team and in a new division. The Birmingham man, stopped by IBF welterweight king Kell Brook in May, has heeded long-time calls to drop down to 140lbs and will do so with a different squad supporting him, having recently departed the gym of his old amateur coach, Tom Chaney.
Britain’s only male World amateur champion will now be trained by Max McCracken, brother of Rob and the man behind the rapid rise of the Yafai brothers, Kal and Gamal. Des Witter has come on board as strength coach, while the No Limits crew, who are known for their work with Paul Butler, will assist exisiting advisor Kerry Kayes with nutrition, a key factor if Frankie is to make light-welterweight his new home.
“I didn’t want to leave Birmingham and my family but I would have if there was no one good enough locally,” Gavin told Boxing News. “I did my first session with Max this week, although, like Des, I’ve known him for years, and I really enjoyed it. I know what I need to improve on but he was showing me a few extra things too. Kal and Gamal have both improved loads under Max. He’ll bring the best out of me.
“I’m adamant to this day that I can outbox nine out of 10 fighters at my weight, but I need to throw more, improve my inside work and punch with more authority.”
Gavin’s next chapter begins in his hometown in early October, then he should be out again in December.
“For my next fight I should be 143, 144lbs,” he revealed. “I want any of the world champions at 140, I can’t see anyone in Britain at 140 who can touch me and, bar Book or Amir Khan, at 147 either.”
