Boxing: McMillan poised for glamour clash with Gavin in Cardiff

Edinburgh’s British Masters welterweight champion, Gary McMillan, has taken a huge step up in class by agreeing to face Birmingham’s Frankie Gavin at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on February 25 on a show promoted by Frank Warren.

Gavin’s ring pedigree is extremely impressive as he was the first English boxer to win a world amateur crown in 2007 and he reached the Beijing Olympics in 2008, only to withdraw due to weight problems.

Unbeaten in 11 pro bouts, Gavin has racked up eight knockout or stoppage wins compared to the three enjoyed by Capital southpaw McMillan in 13 paid bouts.

Little wonder that McMillan’s coach at his Lochend gym base, Terry McCormack, admitted: “This is going to be McMillan’s toughest test yet.

“But on the other hand, if he beats Gavin it will put Gary in a great position to realise his dream to fight for the British welterweight title.

“Gary will be a huge underdog – especially fighting in Cardiff where Gavin is likely to have greater ringside support – but I know that Gary will ensure he is in the condition of his life by sparring at the Lochend gym with guys like Josh Taylor, Lewis Benson and John Thain.”