'Nasty' Frankie drops down for home fight

Gavin has taken action and believes his best hope of winning a world title shot is down at 140lb after his defeat to IBF boss Kell Brook,

The former British and Commonwealth welterweight champion has decided to call time on his old amateur coach Tom Chaney and switched camps in Birmingham.

Gavin will now be under the tutelage of Max McCracken, brother of Team GB head coach and Carl Froch's mentor Rob, at his pro gym in Marston Green.

Britain's only-ever male world amateur titlist has also hired Des Witter as strength coach, while he will seek the help of new nutritionists to make him comfortable at the lower weight.

Advisors from the No Limits outfit in Liverpool will work with Gavin's current aide Kerry Kayes, while he also wants Witter to work his corner with McCracken.

It's all working towards the 29-year-old's return to action, which promoters Matchroom Boxing have pencilled in for a prospective second show of 2015 at the Barclaycard Arena this autumn.

He said: "I phoned Tom and had a chat with him, he wishes me all of the best and we have parted on good terms. That was important to me.

"I just felt that I wasn't improving anymore and that some new methods would help me push on. I have known Max and Des for a long time, too.

"I am already learning a few tricks and we are, mainly, working on me punching with a bit of authority and putting together combinations.

"Sometimes, it's been like I am not trying to hurt people but I have 13 TKOs on my record, so I have power. I just need to be nastier in the ring.

"I felt that I needed a change from Tom, but it's not like I am the sort of fighter that just gives up. I've spent long parts of my career with him.

"I had Anthony Farnell as my trainer for years when I turned pro. Apart from a short time with Jimmy Tibbs, where it didn't work because I just couldn't adapt to life in London, I have always been loyal."

He was stopped for the first time in his 24-bout paid career at the end of last month by Brook, in the biggest all-British world title fight of the year.

The Brummie faded after a good start against the champion, who was left tentative early on as Gavin worked the southpaw stance and made himself hard to hit.

A failure to put the pressure on past an opening shot allowed Brook to settle and force the finish in the sixth, referee Steve Gray stepping in.

He was pulled out with Brook, who dwarfed him, going hell for leather in ropes as a hurt Gavin leaned into the ropes with his head down.

Gavin said: "Despite everything, I can take positives from the fight. It was a world title shot and I had to take it, whatever happened in there.

"I've got nothing bad to say about Kell, I respect him. He was massive compared to me and was such an accurate puncher, when it mattered.

"It showed me how big welterweights can actually be, so maybe it's better for me to drop down."