140 class ... Frankie Gavin can dominate.

[whiskey]

Back in 2003-2005 the division was chock a bloc with talent from all four corners of the world.

We had young guns like Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah mixed in with more experienced Kostya Tszyu, Arturo Gatti.

Then the crop of Junior Witter, Vivian Harris, Otkay Urkal, Sharmba Mitchell , Ben Tackie, DeMarcus Corely, domestically the likes of Eamon Magee and Jono Thaxton.

Even the fringe fighters like Jesse James Leija and Diosbelys Hurtado would have beaten the likes of Malignaggi today.

I just can't see beyond Bradley, Alexander and Khan right now. The likes of Ortiz and co are not getting anybody revved up.

I think Frankie Gavin is going to accelerate through this lot in due course and whilst he has floated up to the high 40's nearer welter on scales so far - if this weight making is no chore for him, he can rule.

[Scottrf]

Don't see it with him yet. Hard to tell because he hasn't been challenged too much, but I see a potshotting, fairly amateur style with a wide stance which means he's flat footed at times. Not a puncher, doesn't have the timing for an out-and-out counterpuncher (will probably come with time), decent speed but not exceptional. He's unorthadox and being a southpaw may be difficult to figure him out but he hasn't looked as far above his opposition as I would expect, even at this stage. Almost fell asleep watching him in Birmingham so perhaps it's because I don't find him good to watch; will try and give him more of a chance. What do you see as his strengths as I realise I'm in the minority?

[Chambers2]

Back in 2003-2005 the division was chock a bloc with talent from all four corners of the world.

We had young guns like Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Zab Judah mixed in with more experienced Kostya Tszyu, Arturo Gatti.

Then the crop of Junior Witter, Vivian Harris, Otkay Urkal, Sharmba Mitchell , Ben Tackie, DeMarcus Corely, domestically the likes of Eamon Magee and Jono Thaxton.

Even the fringe fighters like Jesse James Leija and Diosbelys Hurtado would have beaten the likes of Malignaggi today.

I just can't see beyond Bradley, Alexander and Khan right now. The likes of Ortiz and co are not getting anybody revved up.

I think Frankie Gavin is going to accelerate through this lot in due course and whilst he has floated up to the high 40's nearer welter on scales so far - if this weight making is no chore for him, he can rule.

I REALLY hope so, the Midlands could do with a Ricky Hatton type figure to get behind.It's still early days, but Frankie's got all the talent in the world.

Can't wait to see how he deals with the likes of Woodhouse, Limmond, Cook, Lynes, Barnes???,Wright, Daws, McCloskey..... there are some very good learning fights for him at Domestic level

[Asterix]

Frankie Gavin will never capture the public like Ricky Hatton has. He hasn't got the aggressive fighting style or the charm. I'm not saying that to be mean, just it's the truth.

He has looked quite good so far. It's still the early stages, though. I think the reason he hasn't looked amazing is because he doesn't have the punching power to do so. He's definitely a few levels above his opponents so far, so things are looking rosy at the moment.

If he goes on to win a World title and have a few defences then it's a job well done, imo. If he became THE man at the weight, then that would be brilliant.

[SweetLikeSugar]

There is arguably more talent at 140 than there is at 147 so even if making the weight is a struggle, I still see him reaching the top at WW.

Can't wait to see him fight next Saturday.

[Counter-puncher]

. What do you see as his strengths as I realise I'm in the minority?

as you've indicated his strengths are largely intangible and not to be found in a tick-the-box power-strength-speed sense (though he is quicker than average). it remains to be proven as a higher level but i would say his reflexes, anticipation, footwork, distancing- basically, 'just' ring generalship really- will be his strongpoints.

[Scottrf]

I agree counter-puncher, but those are things that you prove against better opposition. Speed is speed, but world level ring generalship can't be seen by controlling the fight at lower levels, nor can great tactical awareless normally. Can't say his footwork has impressed me massively so far though, time will tell. I'm probably being unjustifiably harsh at the 'teething' stage.

[Tommy Gunn13]

He has done everything asked off him so far...id like to see him box Nigel Wright in the new year,that will show us how far hes come on...

[Counter-puncher]

scott- thats why i said 'remains to be proven at a higher level'

[tonyevs]

Itwould be nice wouldn't it.
But the likes of Jose Benavidez, Frankie Gomez, jesse Vargas,Jesse Magdaleno and prob even Jamie Kavanagh will likely be in his way...

sorry people .. magdaleno was added by mistake. He just happens to be on my watch list

[jonnyP]

all the technical ability in the world but his lack of power, physical strength and tendancy to cut cant see him getting past euopean level, can see him getting unstuck with daws

[whiskey]

Junior Witter had just 3 knockouts from his first 17 fights. Then he rattled off 15 consecutive stoppages, when he actually stepped up a bit in class.

Frankie turned 25 recently and I think we shall see him fight often in 2011 as he will be eyeing up the domestic titles like the other Olympic team members are doing at the minute.

[palooka]

I disagree; I'm not convinced that he has the style or crowd puling persona to be a stadium filler but he has real big occasion guts and a certain coolness when in range. He reminds me a little bit like Joel Casamayor with his steadiness. (Obviously shown at totally different levels so far). Gavin has a proven chin and hits hard enough already; I imagine in a year or so he'll be wrecking men with his accuracy and timing. Frankie gavin will get to the top level without taking a massive shot flush; that is world class skill. We don't know who'll be at the top in 12 months never mind 2 years. Gavin will earn real good money and have a good following. Birmingham is not Manchester though and they don't get behind their top fighters the same way.

[whiskey]

Miguel Cotto was a man of little words, but people warmed to him.

This isn't a thread about who can tell the funniest joke - Ricky or Frankie. Nor about who can sell the most tickets.

Ricky had the right blend of skill, with the right blend of personality at exactly the right time. To use him as a measure is unfair on anyone.

Not even Manny Pacquiao takes 30,000 pinoys to Vegas.

[Bomber 1]

Won't matter who's in Frankies weight or what kind of popularity the people before or after him have had, it comes down to just how good you are and I believe Frankie is the best ive seen in the flesh I really mean that!! He won't just reign domestically he'll reign internationally aswell, people have only seen 30% of what he's capable of so far and with the better the opposition the better he'll be, I keep saying it but by end of 2011 Frankie Gavin will be the face of British boxing and in a similar position to the likes of Khan etc etc....IMHO

[palooka]

GOmez - you are right

[dbf]

Won't matter who's in Frankies weight or what kind of popularity the people before or after him have had, it comes down to just how good you are and I believe Frankie is the best ive seen in the flesh I really mean that!! He won't just reign domestically he'll reign internationally aswell, people have only seen 30% of what he's capable of so far and with the better the opposition the better he'll be, I keep saying it but by end of 2011 Frankie Gavin will be the face of British boxing and in a similar position to the likes of Khan etc etc....IMHO

I really hope so Tony. He looks so comfortable in the squared circle. His distance and timing are excellent. He has real amateur pedigree. When he first turned over I thought he wasn't that bothered and lacked drive but it sounds like Arnies gym has got him buzzing and I really hope he can make it to the top.

[hurlock]

i dont no why frank dont make the daws fight tomorrow, he is tailor made for gavin.

[Scrap]

Weve only seen Him in 1st Gear, once saw Him go inyo 2nd and was impressed. Im waiting for 4th gear, He,s got one

[Old bones Ian]

I've been very impressed so far, speed, movement and accuracy.

Just as long as the 'fun time' doesn't stop him getting to his goals.

[freddydoesdallas]

Won't matter who's in Frankies weight or what kind of popularity the people before or after him have had, it comes down to just how good you are and I believe Frankie is the best ive seen in the flesh I really mean that!! He won't just reign domestically he'll reign internationally aswell, people have only seen 30% of what he's capable of so far and with the better the opposition the better he'll be, I keep saying it but by end of 2011 Frankie Gavin will be the face of British boxing and in a similar position to the likes of Khan etc etc....IMHO

I'm thinking that too, he's got everything in place to get the casual fan on board. If DeGale slips up at all i'm sure FW will double up the PR machine behind him.

Once fighters start opening up to Frankie his accuracy will see him stop a lot more

[yiddo14]

I like Gavin. Quality fighter but I can't ever see him beating Khan. Khan is younger yet already way ahead of him. Hopefully Frankie can get himself into world title contention in the next 2-3 years.

[freddydoesdallas]

Age doesn't really come into it, i'd fancy Gavin to take care of Khan if they were to meet down the line. His footwork, head movement and southpaw stance would cause him a lot of problems. Khan hasn't really faced many fighters with all of these skills. Obviously, Gavin hasn't faced anyone at the level of Khan either yet but it's how i see it panning out

[Old bones Ian]

I'd like to see him get a couple of fights in the USA, get some experience on the big bills there.

Also will fighting on SKY billls effect his fan base?

[yiddo14]

Khan has the ability to be one of the very best in the world, p4p.

Gavin has not shown he can reach such a level as of yet. His style is suited more to the ams. Incidently, wasn't Khan ranked higher than him in the ams when both were amateur?