Van Heerden, 27, and 29 year-old Gavin were due to collide on May 9 in Birmingham until the Briton was offered a world title shot at compatriot Kell Brook – leaving ‘The Heat’ to contemplate what might have been. The Freddie Roach trained fighter has now stated that Gavin is open to rescheduling the contest whatever the result on May 30 when the ex-world amateur champion challenges full IBF title holder Brook in London.
“I’ll be watching the fight and I will be rooting for Gavin. I really hope he can do it,” Van Heerden told World Boxing News.
“Gavin is obviously the underdog, but like I always say, two fighters and one ring means that each fighter has a 50% chance in my eyes.
“If Gavin can pull it off he gave me his word that we will fight, but even if he doesn’t, I know the UK fans feel that we have to fight after what has happened and believe me – so do I!”
Promoted by Kings Sports, Van Heerden is now scouting around for his next test after impressively defeating unbeaten Cecil McCalla last time out and has been vocal in calling out the likes of Brandon Rios, Victor Ortiz, Paulie Malignaggi and Mike Alvarado recently.
Ranked 13 by the IBF, the body’s International champion has found it difficult to land that top name he craves since moving to the USA in December 2013 and will hope his team can deliver upon his return in the next few weeks.
