By James McKnight @JamesMcKnight83
Gavin vs Vassell - A British welterweight treat is about to be served!
The British boxing public have been crying out for this fight to be made. It features two of Britain's brightest young talents, who are both undefeated. Not only are they at a pivotal point in their careers, they each have a desire to achieve great things in the sport. But, on June 28, Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell have just one thing on their minds, which is to put everything on the line to prove they are the current top welterweight in Britain!
Vassell (20-0-0, 10 KO's), hails from Manchester, Lancashire, and he's the betting underdog going into this contest. Vassell, 28, had his first serious test in his 15th pro fight in 2010, when he battled Lee Purdy for the vacant Commonwealth welterweight title. It was a classic bruising affair which went the distance, and it was the first time Vassell had gone 12 rounds. He was victorious at the end of it, winning a unanimous decision on the scorecards. In 2011, Vassell came up against Bethuel Ushona, who was unbeaten going into the fight. Ushona landed some clean counter-punches during the contest, however, Vassell's pressure and strength proved the difference. He won comfortably on the cards and defended the Commonwealth belt. Vassell then successfully defended the Commonwealth belt later that year, after overpowering Samuel Colomban over 12 rounds. After a year out, Vassell destroyed highly touted Ronnie Heffron in 6 rounds to defend the Commonwealth title for a third time. It was an impressive display of power from 'The Quiet Storm'.
Gavin (15-0-0, 11 KO's), is born and bred in Birmingham, West Midlands, and he's the betting favourite as this fight draws closer. Gavin, 27, is a former Irish light-welterweight champion and in 2011 claimed the vacant WBO Inter-Continental welterweight belt after beating Young Mutley. In his first defense of the title, Gavin defeated ex-professional footballer, Curtis Woodhouse, but it wasn't meant to be as difficult as it was. Woodhouse gave Gavin problems throughout, but Gavin was awarded a close win via split decision. In 2012, Gavin challenged Junior Witter for the prestigious British welterweight title, but, it's a fight that won't live long in the memory. The reason for this is mainly due to a clash of styles and Witter's awkwardness. Gavin, though, produced the better and cleaner work and was victorious on all three judges' scorecards. In January, earlier this year, Gavin made a successful first defense of the British title. He's not really known for his punching power, but he produced a solid performance and showed that he can bang a bit. Jason Welborn was on the receiving end of his assaults, and after 7 rounds Gavin forced the stoppage he was seeking. Gavin's not quite as feather-fisted as many believe.
This is a unification title fight which will see the winner claim the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles.
This matchup is the classic boxer versus banger, southpaw versus orthodox showdown. Gavin is just over a year older than Vassell, but has had five less fights. They are practically at the same stage of their respected careers. Gavin is the favourite, but the amount of people picking Vassell to win has increased, and this is down to his size, strength and persistent pressure style. Gavin has the tools to box and move and keep out of harms way, but it's inevitable that he's going to have to fight fire with fire. This will surely only suit Vassell, but then again, Gavin might just surprise us some more. If Vassell's persistent enough and gets through and lands, it will put Gavin in serious trouble. Can Gavin use his boxing brain and prove the better Man over 12 rounds? That remains to be seen. Can Vassell get in range and inflict enough damage to force a stoppage, or even produce a knockout? That remains to be seen. What we will see though is an enthralling contest, with many twists and turns probable. We are lucky that this fight is happening, and that's down to Frank Warren Promotions and Queensbury Promotions.
This is one of the best British fights that can be made right now and guess what?! It's almost upon us!!!
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