Frankie Gavin was defeated again just a day after failing to make the 147lb welterweight limit by a whopping FIVE pounds.
The former British and Commonwealth Champion lost his chance to claim the European welterweight title on the scales in Bilbao. That left current champion Kerman Lejarraga in prime position to defend his strap.
And so it proved as Gavin, despite a decent start, lost in the fourth round at the BEC Arena in Lejarraga’s home city.
Failing to make the correct weight certainly wouldn’t have helped the Birmingham man, who now faces a big decision about his future at 33.
Prior to the fight, Gavin had explained a nightmare week had contributed to his downfall.
“I’m gutted, to say the least,” Gavin explained. “It’s been a nightmare week for me.
“I had a disagreement with my trainer that resulted in him deciding against coming out here (to Spain) with me.
“We were due to catch the ferry on Sunday, which was an 8-hour crossing and would have meant I would be in Spain for the whole of fight week but my trainer made a decision on Sunday afternoon that he was no longer travelling.
“That meant preparations had to change and the only available ferry was then Wednesday, which was a vehicle ferry. It was the only way I could get to Spain due to my fear of flying.
“It was a rough crossing too and that meant I couldn’t train properly. I arrived yesterday (Thursday) but I just couldn’t shift the weight needed safely.
“I’ll need to think where I go from here. But I apologise to Kerman, MGZ Promotions, BCB Promotions and all the fans who have made the trip.”
AMATEUR
Gavin became the first ever Englishman to win World Amateur Gold at the height of his career but has since struggling above domestic level as a pro.
Winning the Lonsdale Belt outright between 2012 and 2013 is the highlight of a ring spell blighted by outside the ring and weight problems.
Losses to compatriots Sam Eggington and Kell Brook were added to two failed attempts at the EBU championship.
