The amateur star was dropped by a legitimate straight shot from Shikukutu whilst off balance in the second round and seemed to take another session to find his rhythm before dominating the proceedings to keep his belt.
Gavin later called the knockdown a slip, although the Birmingham fighter will have to improve his performance significantly to compete with European champion Leonard Bundu in the future.
Earlier, former world heavyweight title challenger ‘Fast’ Eddie Chambers took care of Tomas Mrazek on his UK debut as the American took out the Czech fighter in six rounds at the Metro Arena in Newcastle.
The 32 year-old, who has been working with top division specialist Peter Fury since January, warmed up for his April 12 clash with Ian Lewison at the Copper Box by ending his six session bout with just 25 seconds remaining.
Also on the bill, home favourite and British cruiserweight champion John Lewis Dickinson won the coveted Lonsdale Belt outright with a tenth round stoppage of Rotherham’s Neil Dawson.
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