Former trainer says Welborn must be at best (From Halesowen News)

Former trainer says Welborn must be at best

2:00pm Thursday 17th January 2013 in Sport

A FORMER coach of Jason Welborn says the fighter will have to be on top of his game to stand any chance against Frankie Gavin.

John Nash coached Welborn during his amateur days at Warley Boxing Club and will be in attendance in Walsall along with a host of other members to roar on the Rowley Regis man.

But Nash is also an admirer of Gavin, who he witnessed rise up through the local amateur ranks and acknowledges the Birmingham man has to be favourite.

He said: “Jason has always had a big bang on him.

“I’m not saying he has ever been the best boxer in the world but he has come on a bit since turning pro.

“He’s worked hard but he is going to have to be on his game and he might need a bit of luck.”

He added: “I used to watch Frankie box as an amateur over in Birmingham.

“He is a real class act and though he’s probably not done as well as expected so far, he can still reach the top.”

Another man familiar with both fighters is former English middleweight champion Darren McDermott.

Welborn was part of Macca’s training camp for some of his biggest fights including his own Black Country v Birmingham with Wayne Elcock back in 2008, while he also sparred with Gavin. McDermott says Welborn’s best hope of victory is to take Gavin into the trenches.

He said: “Jason can’t afford to give Frankie a second. He has fought at a different class which Jason has never boxed anywhere close. But boxing is all about what happens on the night.

“His best chance is to try and rough Frankie up, he can’t let him get on his toes.

“One thing is for sure, Jason will need to be at the fittest he has ever been because he will be going to places he has never been before during this fight.”

Warley’s current stars, including Mat Windle and Nasser Mahazi, will be in action when they club hosts it’s next show at Old Hill Plaze on Friday, February 1.

For tickets contact Nash on 07976 599917.