Gavin open to Harrison showdown
England's first World Amateur champion Frankie Gavin is open minded to the possibility of an all-Midlands clash with Dean Harrison when he has proved himself in the pro ranks.
Gavin makes his much-anticipated pro debut at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena on February 28, after signing a deal with noted promoter Frank Warren.
The Birmingham southpaw was widely regarded as reat Britain's best hope of a boxing medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics, but never competed after failing to make the weight.
In the pro ranks, Harrison's stock is rising at light-welterweight and - had Lenny Daws not pulled out days before an English title eliminator - he could have already been the No 1 contender to the British crown.
That is the sort of prize that Gavin will be gunning for as he rises through the pro ranks, and Harrison may be the man he has to beat.
The former Olympic hope said: "If Dean was on top when I was ready to challenge for the title, then that would be a great fight for the Midlands. He is a bit further down the line than me in the pro ranks at the moment, but our paths may cross in the future.
"If it does come along between me and Dean in the future, then great. But there is a lot of work to be done before then."
Harrison at 25-years old and Gavin at 23-years-old head a crop of promising youngsters across the Midlands, with the Black Country offering such rising starlets such as Coseley duo Jamie Ball and Richard Ghent.
Ghent and Ball both turned professional last year and are aiming to take it to the next level in 2009, while Gavin's journey - to considerably more exposure - is just beginning.
The three boxers know each other well.
Gavin said: ""I know Jamie and Richard from around the circuit. Me and Jamie have known each other for a few years, and he was with me training at Farnell's Gym in Manchester the other week."
Fighting out in Birmingham and having competed across the world, Gavin has seen some of the best young talent the world has to offer.
But he has a glowing endorsement for the scene in the Midlands.
He said: "There is so much talent in this country at the moment but, if you look at the moment, it is the lads from the Midlands - and the West Midlands - that are challenging for the major titles.
"I have been to Wolverhampton to watch a few shows and I have fought at Wolverhampton Civic Hall as well. It is a good, bright place for boxing. There is a great fan base as well.
"It is on now for boxing across the Midlands and it's going to be a great show at the NIA."
