Frankie Gavin targets gold at next Olympics

Sep 28 2008 By Matt Bozeat

FRANKIE Gavin will be targeting gold at the London Olympics – if amateur boxing bosses hang on to head coach Terry Edwards.

Gavin was the red-hot favourite to win gold in Beijing having last year become Britain’s first-ever gold medallist at the world championships.

But the 22-year-old from Birmingham was forced to pull out after failing to make the 60kg weight limit.

Gavin is currently weighing up his options and this week met representatives of Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Frank Warren’s Sports Network as he considers cashing in on his talents.

But the slick southpaw says the decision on his fighting future could depend on Edwards’ fate.

Edwards is rumoured to be thinking of quitting following the suspension of Billy Joe Saunders and allegations that the Amateur Boxing Association have reneged on promises of bonuses.

Professional

Gavin said: “All the boxers respect Terry. I know he has my best interests at heart and when he told me I wasn’t going to make the weight in Beijing, I knew it was the right decision.

“It’s a shame there aren’t more people like him in boxing. If Terry doesn’t stay as head coach, I will definitely go professional and I know a lot of the boxers feel the same.

“I want to stay amateur and go for gold in London, but it all depends on Terry and what offers I get.”

Gavin refused to blame anyone for his Beijing nightmare.

He says he simply grew too big in the nine months between qualifying for the Olympics and the event taking place.

“I just got too big,” said Gavin. “These things happen. There’s nobody to blame for it.”