Frankie Gavin on track to emulate Amir Khan

Dec 7 2009 by Ian Johnson, Birmingham Mail

FRANKIE Gavin is in prime position to follow in the footsteps of his former sparring partner and now world champion Amir Khan, writes Ian Johnson.

In Newcastle on Saturday night the Brummie destroyed Frenchman Samir Tergaoui with the referee stopping the bout with just seconds to go of the sixth and last round.

The superb result meant that Gavin has won all of his first five professional fights inside the distance which, in fact, is slightly better than Khan, who was taken the distance in his fourth fight by Coventry’s Baz Carey.

But their light-welterweight paths are very close. Khan’s amateur record includes an Olympic silver medal but Gavin became the first Brit ever to win a world championship gold.

When Gavin, like Khan, turned professional he declared it was his ultimate goal to win a world title.

Khan has done it in some style – what a wonderful defence of the WBA title he made in stopping unbeaten and dangerous American Dmitriy Salita in the first round with three knock-downs – but now Gavin is after him.

The former Hall Green amateur said: “I have a million miles to go before I can catch up with Amir. He is a smashing lad and I have known and respected him for a long time.

“We boxed in the same team for England and GB many times and we have also sparred a lot together. So why shouldn’t I have the same dream as him to become world champion.

“My first year as a pro has been magnificent, better than expected, but the time has come now for me to kick on and next year will be critical.

“I have set my target to be British champion and I am sure I can do that. I have the dedication and determination and I have the team around me to succeed.

“If I have any problems I can always ring Amir and ask him for some advice,” he laughed.