Frankie Gavin Withdraws From Friday Fight, Frank Warren "Sick and Tired of It"

BoxingScene.com reports that British junior welterweight/welterweight prospect Frankie Gavin has pulled out of his scheduled Friday fight, and promoter Frank Warren sounds like he's at the end of his rope with the talented but troubled fighter:

"He’s just gone.  I heard he went to [former trainer] Anthony Farnell’s house.  I’m sick and tired of it.  I wouldn’t even talk him into fighting because if I did and something happened it would be my fault," said Warren.

Gavin (11-0, 8 KO) is a very, very talented fighter, but his alleged laziness made it impossible for him to make 140 pounds any longer, which necessitated a move up to 147 pounds, where he has not looked in good shape, and hasn't looked like much of a fighter at all, really. Gavin's last two fights dropped his stock, as he lethargically defeated Young Mutley in May, and two months later, returned to nick a split decision over Curtis Woodhouse.

After those fights, Gavin said he was going to get serious about his career and his training, and return to 140 pounds. That is, apparently, not to be just yet, and you have to wonder where he's at. Many have expressed disappointment with Gavin, both UK fans and media, and Warren has publicly admitted he wasn't pleased with his performances.

But nobody ever raked him over the coals more than Sky Sports analyst and Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan did, who said live on the air this year that Gavin is in line to be the "biggest waste of talent" in the history of British boxing if he didn't get his act together:

A lot now depends on what Warren thinks the truth worth of the 26-year-old Gavin really is at this stage. It's not inconceivable that Warren could just cut ties with him -- if the promoter feels the fighter simply is not worth the investment, talent alone won't overcome what he and perhaps his other top people see as a fighter not worth the investment, the time, the money. I don't think it's likely, but this could be the final straw. There's already been a lot of frustration with Gavin. Frank Warren may decide he doesn't need the headache, especially now that he's pulling out of fights.