Prediction
Photo by Esther Lin
As much as I like Frankie Gavin, and am willing him on to cause an unbelievable upset, all the indicators point to a convincing victory for the champion. Kell Brook’s power, technical ability and level of opposition all exceeds Gavin’s.
A win for Gavin would glorify the unexpected nature of the fight game, and in essence you would have to compare it to Badou Jack’s recent underdog victory over Anthony Dirrell, in that it is not at all expected, but nonetheless not impossible.
However, Gavin will have to showcase something he hasn’t been able to demonstrate in previous bouts. He doesn’t have the slickness to emulate the likes of fellow welterweight great Floyd Mayweather, and you can’t develop frightening punching power in two months. It’s more realistic that he will use movement and good ring generalship to try and frustrate Brook, popping off counters, holding and snatching rounds were he can.
Expect a couple of awkward early rounds, were Brook will look to find the range with his stiff jab. But it’s inevitable that Brook’s pinpoint accuracy will shine through in the middle rounds, with flurries off hard combinations reigning down on the Birmingham fighter.
After grinding down the challenger, the referee will step in around the seventh or eighth, but don’t be surprised to see Brook sail through with a comfortable unanimous points victory.
