It’s fight night for Mutley and Gavin
Saturday 21st May 2011, 8:00AM BST.
West Bromwich’s Young Mutley has warned Frankie Gavin he has the power to smash his career into pieces as the two square up for their West Midlands super-fight.
But Birmingham’s Gavin has declared “if turn up, I win” as the derby rivals prepare to meet for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title tonight, live on Sky Box Office.
The two go head-to-head on Frank Warren’s big bill at London’s 02 Arena, as the only Brit to win a world amateur title meets the Black Country’s former British welterweight champion.
It’s Gavin’s first fight up at welter, with the fight made at a 10st 4lb limit, after Mutley refused to box for the belt at light welter.
The 34-year-old would not risk being drained at the lower weight as he approaches veteran status, but is a proven puncher in the higher division.
And it’s that power that Mutley feels is his greatest weapon on fight night, after insisting he has a plan to get his opponent in line for the big shot.
He said: “Frankie is a technical boxer, he likes to make you miss and then counter punch. But I don’t think he has got that much punch power, it’s the angles he catches you at.
“I have got a game-plan. I can’t just punch, I can box as well and I have got good feet and head movement when I use them.
“He will be tough to land on, I know that, all southpaws are. They are awkward, but they are good for left hooks.
“And every southpaw I have ever hit I have knocked out.”
Gavin is the hot favourite, the younger and undefeated fighter earmarked by promoter Warren as a potential big star of the future.
But, on paper, Mutley is the toughest test yet for ‘Funtime’ Frankie, who has had his opponents stepped up since making his pro debut in 2009.
British title contender Michael Lomax was the last one to fall in February but this is Gavin’s first 12-rounder, although both boxers insist the fight won’t go the distance.
Mutley’s insists his left hook will do the damage, but Gavin plans to break him down to the body.
He said: “If I turn up, I win. If I bring my a-game and box how I can box, I will come out a winner. He and I both know I am a better boxer than him.
“He’s not going to be able to outbox me, so the only real chance he has got is his left hook.
“If anyone hits anyone, Mutley is not the most durable himself. He blows up but that’s not what I am banking on, him tiring.
“He doesn’t like it to the body and I am not a bad body puncher.”
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Good luck Mutley,show him who’s boss knock him out.
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What a robbery, Mutley won every round, fix!!
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Bias commentary, bias scoring by the judges, Mutley is the true champion.
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