Frankie Gavin wants Lenny Daws

Frankie Gavin already has one eye ona showdown with Lenny Daws just hours away from his first title shot at Birmingham's LG Arena.

England's only world amateur champion could have his first pro belt around his waist tonight, provided he can overcome Michael Kelly for the vacant Irish light welterweight crown.

That is what 'Funtime' Frankie fully expects to be celebrating tomorrow, with British champion Daws the next target in his sights in the plan to be a major title holder by the end of the year.

The Commonwealth crown could also be up for grabs in the not-too-distant future, depending on the outcome of champion Ajose Olusegun's WBC title eliminator against Ali Chebah in November.

But it's the British title that Gavin really wants and Daws must pick his challengers carefully, as he stands one defence away from a Lonsdale belt after two successful defences.

'Lightening' Lenny has carved out a reputation as an industrious champion, who uses his big engine to grind down his opponents into submission in the later rounds.

And his 24-year-old foe-in-waiting has thrown the first shot in what would be a massive domestic title fight by the end of the year.

He said: "Lenny is a good fighter who sets the pace, but when we are both at full pelt I would throw far punches than he does, he picks up towards the end but he starts really slow.

"A lot of what he does is amateurish, as time goes on I am developing more into a pro than he is.

"If it ever did happen, I think I will be more than ready."

Birmingham's Gavin qualifies to compete for the title tonight through his parents, who were born in County Tipperary.

But it's grandmother that he is really doing this for, who played a big part in his life before she died last year.

However, Kelly is a threat and boasts a good amateur background of his own, beating European champion Paul McCloskey in the unpaid ranks.

Even with that in mind, Gavin is only focussing on his own game tonight.

He said: "This belt is more personal to me - this one if for my Nan really.

"Michael's a decent fighter, without a doubt he's the sternest test I have had so far.

"I respect anybody who gets into the ring with me, I don't underestimate anybody but I won't give him too much respect!

"I will look at his strengths and weaknesses and how I can beat him, but I will be thinking more about me than about him."

Tickets are still available for the show and will be on the door at the LG Arena tonight.

You can also watch the view live on pay-per-view with Sky Box Office.

perary, Kelly beat McCloskey twice in amateurs

"This belt is more personal to me - this one if for my Nan really.

"Michael's a decent fighter with a good amateur background, without a doubt he's the sternest test I have had so far. I respect anybody who gets into the ring with me, I don't underestimate anybody but I won't give him too much respect!

"I will look at his strengths and weaknesses and how I can beat him, but I will be thinking more about me than about him."

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