Genting Show Goes On Without Gavin
Birmingham boxer Frankie Gavin's hopes of a world title fight later this month have been cruelly dashed by the loss of a major sponsor leaving his comeback on the canvas. The show continues however with a strong line-up including four title bouts.
The pint-sized pugilist today vowed he would not give up on his dreams of a shot at the big time once again having trained excessively for the past three months for an IBO Welterweight World Title fight in his hometown later this month.
Gavin was due to face African Bethuel Ushona at the Genting Arena in Birmingham for the vacant title on Saturday March 24.
But today the team behind Frankie's big night - billed as Now or Never- revealed they had been forced to pull the headline fight after a major sponsor failed to materialise. The show will go on however with the full undercard which features a number of talented fighters from across Birmingham and the Black Country promoted by Wednesbury-based BCB Promotions .
Frankie said today: "I am absolutely gutted. I’m so, so upset because I’ve worked so hard for so many weeks. I have already had my share of setbacks but this has been the real knock out blow. All I wanted to do was train hard and win this belt for my family. "I’ve been living away from my fiancée Emma and the kids for weeks to prepare and now to have the opportunity to win a belt and decent purse snatched away from me has left me devastated.
"He said: "Unfortunately for Frankie all the hype around his injury and then changing trainer meant there was some uncertainty over whether the fight would ever actually take place as far as major sponsors were concerned.
Kevin Baker, of BWI Promotions who were hosting Frankie's fight, said today the team had worked tirelessly to try and make the figures add up but ultimately the support wasn’t there.
"The date change also had a knock on effect on ticket sales. We can understand Frankie's despair but ultimately putting on a World title fight of this magnitude costs in excess of £60,000 and the figures just don’t stack up."
He added that the team were hopeful of finding another option for Frankie to fight in the spring. Errol Johnson, Head of Boxing at BCB Promotions, said: "Yes we've lost our headline fight but there are still some great fights on the bill on March 24 at The Genting.
“We have two IBO Continental fights at the top of the bill as Craig Morris defends his welterweight title against Andy Keates then we have a real ding dong battle for the vacant middleweight crown as Andrew Robinson and Nicky Jenman go toe to toe.
“We also have two area titles up for grabs – Kyle Williams takes on Jordan turner for the Midlands Area Bantamweight strap and Kash Ali steps in with David Howe for the Central Area Heavyweight crown. “Underneath that we have a host of local prospects in action on what is sure to be a great night of boxing for the City. It’s a shame for Frankie but the show must go and we hope people who have already committed to tickets will still come and support the show. We wish Frankie all the best in the future and hope he achieves his aim of being a World Champion.” Tickets for the forthcoming event fight are still available from theticketfactory.com Any customers who have specifically bought a ticket for Frankie Gavin can obtain a refund from their point of purchase - the Genting Box Office or Frankie direct - and should contact them accordingly.
Dexter's Thoughts
Gutted to hear news as this was a great opportunity for Frankie Gavin the see his potential and win a world title. With the change of trainers, the injury and the date change I always had a feeling this fight may not happen, but thought it would be weight that stopped it not money. From what I understand Gavin’s weight was on point and he was injury free, which makes this fight not going on even more of a shame. Gavin mentioned on social media that he has been in talks with one of the big boxing promotions and could be taking on one of the best prospects around June tine. Hopefully Gavin will get a shot at a world title before he retires, the column wishes him all the best in what he does next. One saving grace in all this is that the big “Now or Never” show is still on, there are some cracking fights on this show and some great local talent. With 2 IBO continental titles on the line 2 Midlands area titles on the line and the likes of Kelcie Ball, Matt Sen, Shakan Pitters and Tommy Ghent on the show this is still a show well worth coming to. I am still looking forward to this show and can’t wait for the 24th March.