Frankie Gavin is ready to take on IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook.
Frankie Gavin is ready to take on the challenge which Amir Khan ducked by fighting IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook in a big British world title clash next month.
Press Association Sport understands a fight between Brook and Gavin has been agreed and could even be signed and announced officially by their promoter Eddie Hearn before the week is out.
Gavin will earn a career-highest payday – although nothing close to the multi-millions allegedly offered to Khan – when he challenges Brook at the O2 Arena in London on May 30.
The world title bid is a huge step up for Britain’s only world amateur champion, but the 29-year-old Brummie is confident his pedigree will give him an excellent chance of dethroning the unbeaten Yorkshireman.
“I’m not stupid. I’m not delusional. I’m going to have to perform out of my skin,” Gavin told Press Association Sport.
“But I’ve definitely got it in me to do it. I’m very confident Kell can be beaten and hopefully it’s someone with my skills who will do it.
“Nothing is signed or done yet but I know Eddie’s spoken to Kell and Kell’s up for it and I’m up for it. So we’re going to sit down and have another chat in the next two days and hopefully get it done.
“I think I’ve got the skills to upset Brook and take him out of his rhythm. It’s easier said than done but I’m going to be 100% ready, physically and mentally, and if I get that world title shot I’ll be ready.”
Gavin believes former amateur team-mate Khan has made the wrong move by avoiding Brook and instead choosing a safer fight against Chris Algieri as he continues to chase a shot at Floyd Mayweather.
“I don’t know what it is with Khan,” said Gavin.
“Listen, he’s a clever man, he’s got money, he’s done well, but I don’t think it’s a clever move to turn Brook down and fight Chris Algieri instead.
“It’s a no-win situation. He’s going to smash Algieri up whereas Khan v Brook is a very close fight. If Brook gets to him and starts landing shots, he beats Khan. If Khan uses his speed and rhythm, he wins it.
“Maybe Khan just doesn’t want to risk losing the Mayweather fight and he knows he won’t lose to Algieri so it’s safer.”
