Wednesday 8 April 2015 16:47, UK
Frankie Gavin says he is ready to fill the void left by Amir Khan by facing Kell Brook in an all-British world title clash next month.
Promoter Eddie Hearn could soon be in a position to announce the fight after his efforts to match IBF welterweight king Brook against Khan were rejected by Bolton's former WBA light-welterweight champion.
The bout would see Gavin earn a career-high payday - although nothing close to the millions allegedly offered to Khan - when he challenges Sheffield's Brook at the O2 Arena in London on May 30.
The world title bid is a huge step up for Gavin - the only English boxer to win a World Amateur Championship - who failed in his attempt to unseat European welterweight champion Leonard Bundu last year.
However, the 29-year-old from Birmingham is confident his pedigree will give him an excellent chance of dethroning the unbeaten Brook.
"I'm not stupid. I'm not delusional. I'm going to have to perform out of my skin," Gavin said. "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 per cent ready, physically and mentally, and if I get that world title shot I'll be ready."
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.
Gavin also suggested that former amateur team-mate Khan had elected to play it safe by avoiding Brook and instead choosing a 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."
