Gavin Is Tested But Turns Back Challenge Of Junior Witter

By Jake Donovan

Frankie Gavin proved to be too much for aging former 140 lb. titlist Junior Witter. The unbeaten welterweight prospect outclassed his 38-year old foe over 12 rounds Thursday evening at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, UK.

Scores were 119-109, 117-110 and 117-112 in their bout, which headlined a special weeknight broadcast on Boxnation. 

Witter jumped out to an early lead, but was by no means overwhelming at any point in the fight. Gavin overcame a slow start to quickly resume control, at which point the 27-year old never looked back. 

Action wasn’t exactly free-flowing, in large part due to the non-effort put forth by Witter as the night went on. Gavin did enough to win rounds, and perhaps enough to prove he is ready for his career to advance to the next level. 

There were no knockdowns in the fight and several rounds from which there wasn’t much to choose. Witter was docked a point in round 10 for excessive holding, and at one point cursed out by his own corner for offering a lethargic effort.

Gavin advances to 14-0 (10KO) with the win, by far the biggest of his young career. With the win comes a domestic title, which Witter acquired in a modest upset win over Colin Lynes earlier this year.

The magic ran out on this particular evening for Witter, who falls to 41-6-2 (22KO).

Witter at one point called it a career in 2009, following a humiliating stoppage loss at the hands of Devon Alexander. The loss marked the end of his days as a legitimate contender, though he managed to keep relatively active following his ring return in 2011. 

Four full fights were complemented by a run in the June ’11 edition of Prizefighter, in which he won three three-round fights but fell short in the finals. The finals loss was his only defeat at York Hall until coming up way short against Gavin. 

A return to retirement seems like a sensible option for Witter, though it’s doubtful that he will go away quietly. 

Meanwhile, Gavin has a promising future to look forward to in 2013 and beyond after getting past a slew of personal issues in recent past. No specific fights have been mentioned for next year, though Gavin has expressed an interest in fighting for the European welterweight title with an impressive enough performance against Witter.

UNDERCARD

Light heavyweight Miles Shinkwin (3-0, 0KO) won a four round decision over Jody Meikle (5-28). The sole score were 40-36.

Welterweight prospect Gary Corcoran (5-0, 2KOs) stopped Ross Payne (3-6) in the first round.

Middleweight John Dignum (2-1, 0KO) won a four round unanimous decision over Joe Walsh, with a sole score of 40-36.

Super flyweight Charlie Hoy (4-0, 0KO) won a six round decision over Francis Croes (1-16). The sole score was 60-52 and Croes was down in the fourth.

Craig Evans (8-0, 3KOs) won a six round decision over Ideh Ockuko (4-8). The sole score was 60-54. Ockuko was down in the first and Evans suffered a cut above his left eye in the fourth from a clash of heads.