Birmingham star Frankie Gavin has begged promoter Frank Warren to get him a title shot - just like close friend James DeGale.

 

Gavin will box on the huge May 15 event at West Ham's Boleyn Ground at Upton Park, stepping up to the eight round distance for the first time in his career.

 

And the 24-year-old ace, Britain's first ever Amateur World Champion, wants to fight for a championship belt this year.

 

Frankie, unbeaten in six fights as a professional, has been spurred on by the fact DeGale has been handed a title shot at Upton Park.

 

"James is a special talent and it's great that he is stepping up at this stage of his career," said Frankie.

 

"He'll do the business at Upton Park and I'm hoping my fight's on before his so I can cheer him on from ringside.

 

"But I've told Frank Warren that I'm ready as well.

 

"My amateur career was like having 15 or 20 professional fights, so I can be fast-tracked.

 

"I've felt in my last few fights that I am ready for anyone domestically.

 

"Last time out I took every round off Peter McDonagh, and no one has done that to him before.

 

"He's fought for a few titles before including the English, so I'm there or there abouts.

 

"There are some great fighters at light-welterweight in the UK, and obviously you've got the likes of Ricky Hatton, Junior Witter and Amir Khan at the top, but I'd fancy my chances against any of them.

 

Warren added: "The plan is for Frankie to have this eight rounder in May and then step up it again in the summer. He's been superb in every fight, and it's a question of when he wins a title, not if."

 

'Hammer Time' is headlined by Kevin Mitchell's challenge for the WBO Interim World Lightweight Championship against Michael Katsidis. A quality packed undercard includes the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship between Danny Williams and Sam Sexton; Olympic Gold medallist James DeGale challenges for the first title in his career - the WBA International Super-Middleweight Championship; unbeaten heavyweight star Derek Chisora; and Britain's hottest young prospects Frankie Gavin and Billy Joe Saunders. Plus more fights to be added.

 

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