Dismay as boxing gold hope Gavin withdraws
Great Britain’s medal hopes suffered a severe blow yesterday when boxing hopeful Frankie Gavin announced his shock withdrawal on the eve of the Games.
Gavin, 22, was the overall favourite to win gold in the lightweight division but pulled out after failing to make the weight.
Head coach Terry Edwards said: “Frankie has been working his whole boxing career towards the Olympic Games and he is obviously completely devastated.
“Regrettably it is clear that Frankie will not make his weight before tomorrow morning’s weigh-in. He gave 110 per cent but it is the last bit, where you have to shed the water, that is crucial.
“In the end there was nothing left to come off and at that stage I took the responsibility of withdrawing him. I didn’t want Frankie to suffer any ill effects to his health from being that dehydrated.”
British former Olympic boxing medallist Richie Woodhall expressed his dismay that Gavin had failed to meet the 60kg weight limit.
“There’s that many people, nutritionists, physiotherapists, involved these days that are paid good money,” said Woodhall.“ It’s been a total let down by everyone. Making the weight is just not an issue – you make the weight.”
Gavin would have had to weigh in below the limit every day of the competition. The Birmingham southpaw won the world amateur title last year at lightweight, but has spent much of the last 12 months competing at light-welterweight.