Frankie Gavin is to make the first defence of his British welterweight title against Jason Welborn at Walsall Town Hall on January 18.

The 27-year-old from Birmingham captured the title on November 1 when he outpointed Bradford veteran Junior Witter to make it 14 wins in 14 fights as a professional.

The former world amateur champion will now bid for his 15th victory against Tivdale-based Welborn - the current Midlands Area champion - who has lost only one of his 11 fights.

Gavin said: "It's great to be back in action so soon after beating Witter and especially in January which means I can get more fights throughout the year.

"I can't wait to get in the ring again. I've stayed in shape after the Witter fight and I'd be ready to fight this Saturday if I had to.

"Welborn is a good tough fighter, but there's no way I'm letting this belt go so he's got to bring something special to the ring if he's going to beat me.

"My aim for next year is to keep fighting regularly and win the Lonsdale belt outright, that would be my dream, and then I want the Commonwealth and European titles. Next year is the year I clean up domestically before looking at world titles.

"I know what I can achieve in this sport and beating Witter to become British champion is only the start, I'm going all the way to the world title."

Tags: Frankie Gavin