The 27 year-old, who is coached by legendary trainer Freddie Roach, has been on the lookout for a big UK fight for some time now and finally gets his chance at the United Kingdom’s second city of Birmingham in late spring.
“I’m fighting in biggest fight of my career in May and I believe this is what a lot of fight fans want,” Van Heerden exclusively told World Boxing News on the day the fight was officially announced.
“I believe this is a 50/50 fight and that this will be one hell of a fight that the fans will truly enjoy. It’s an exciting and honourable chapter in my fight career as I get to fight in England, UK. It’s a fight I have wanted and I am putting everything on it come fight night.
On his opponent Gavin, who is a former world amateur champion on the comeback trail from suffering a first loss last year, Van Heerden typically had nothing but respect before taking aim at full IBF champion and Matchroom stablemate Kell Brook.
“I think Gavin is world class and I will have to be on my best come fight night. But do I believe I have what it takes to match Gavin? Yes I do! This is no doubt a fight where we will both get to shine.
“I respect Frankie Gavin and I’m excited as this is a big fight for both of us. This is what fighters like me coming from South Africa dream about and a win here will surely put me well in line to fight IBF king Kell Brook. That is the plan and I’m ready to fight my heart out to get it.
“My trainer Freddie Roach believes I have what it takes to beat Gavin and I am ready to give everything I can to prove it on May 9,” he added.
Frankie Gavin v Chris Van Heerden takes place at the Barclaycard Arena in Gavin’s hometown of Birmingham and will also feature fellow-Brummie/Irishman Matthew Macklin along with the exciting Yafai brothers Kal and Gamal.