Frankie Gavin Accepts Flaws, Plans to Return to 140 Pounds

British prospect Frankie Gavin (11-0, 8 KO) remains unbeaten, but his last two fights have been a wake-up call. After looking lethargic against Young Mutley on May 21, Gavin struggled with Curtis Woodhouse last Saturday. After the fight, his future was questioned, and Sky Sports' Barry McGuigan ripped him apart after the fight:

"This guy could turn out to be the biggest waste of talent that we've ever had. World amateur champion, the only one we've ever had. Incredibly talented, beautiful boxer, incredible at judging distance. The biggest issue is he's not committed. He's not committed to his diet, and he's not committed to his training, and he should be a light welterweight. He can be a world class light welterweight. But he's gonna blow it if he stays at welterweight. Listen, I'm not pulling my punches, because I'll tell you what, the truth is, this guy can be a world champion, but only at light welterweight. ... If Curtis Woodhouse is taking him the distance, he's not going to be beating world class fighters."

The words were harsh, and Gavin says he's going to work hard to get back down to 140 pounds, where he was looking like one of the top prospects in all of boxing before moving to welterweight:

"I'm going to have to change something drastically," Gavin told BBC WM. "I'm going to have to change my diet and get down to ten stone. Ten (stone) seven completely knocked me out, I don't feel as quick."

... "I'm better than that so I'm going to have to come out and prove it I've got a lot of doubters now and I've got to prove them wrong. I'm going to have two weeks offs and then straight back in. I'm going to be back in September."

It's definitely good to hear Gavin accept that he's made his own bed and all that, but the proof will have to be in the pudding. The lack of commitment has long been discussed, even before he officially moved up to welterweight, and old habits are hard to break. Gavin will have to prove it in the ring and on the scales.