Back in February 2021, Gavin Gwynne’s career took a dramatic turn for the worst. Three years later, on Friday night at York Hall, the Welshman will square off for the European lightweight title live on TNT Sports. In preparation for Thursday’s weigh-in, Gwynne, Sam Noakes, and the other members of the card met in London this afternoon for a press conference. The major break came in the dark days of lockdown, when sports were played behind closed doors. Gwynne traveled north to Bolton as an outsider to challenge Sean McComb, a well regarded Irishman, for the Common wealth title.
Given that McComb was 11-0 at the time and had previously lost to James Tennyson and Joe Cordina when he ramped up his game, it was likely thought that defeating Gwynne would mark a significant victory for the then-favorite McComb. But the 33-year-old ignored the form guide, forcing McComb to retire early in the seventh round.
Even Gwynne acknowledges that he was unable to predict his turn of events before to his Bolton victory.
To tell the truth, I couldn’t, the Merthyr guy replied. “I never believed boxing and everything would come back during lockdown, but I turned my career around there by stopping Sean McComb—an unbeaten, crafty south paw—and finishing him in style as well.
“So, yeah, three years ago, I couldn’t have envisioned it.” Gwynne’s answer may help to explain why so many away fighters defied the odds during the Covid era when it comes to the subject of what spurred his career to take a change for the better.
Athletes on a part-time basis began training like full-time fighters.
“I believe it was just having 50-50 battles, type of thing, and definitely confidence in myself and my skill, since my losses have been at the world level rather than the British level. “Working full-time also had a huge impact.” I was obviously unable to work during the lockdown and had to spend all of my time training. After three victories and a draw, Gwynne is free to consider the possibility of expanding his goals after a British title belt has made a home in Merthyr for the first time since Johnny Owen was the champion.
“Yes, absolutely, I have already fought a world champion in Joe Cordina, and I will definitely be moving up to the world level if I win this fight on Friday.” Considering that he is a world-class fighter and I only lost by three of the four rounds, I felt like I fought really well in that match. “I am sure I can compete at the world level,” he continued, adding that he didn’t think his two losses condemned him to a life of domestic away missions. He is now a totally committed Queensberry fighter and is optimistic about his future.
“Not really, since I’ve always had that confidence in myself and I was aware of the challenges I faced.
I have always believed this since I have traveled the world to train with elite boxers and have always presented a positive image of myself. “For me, it’s a huge career leap. Knowing that I will be with Frank for two years and that he will keep me busy because we constantly get into great fights gives me a sense of comfort. “I am ruthless when I jump in there because I am the Merthyr Mexican, and I can’t wait to let my hands go on Friday.”
The vacant EBU belt is up for grabs in tonight’s match against the unbeaten veteran Emiliano Marsili. Gywnne has a strong suspicion that the Italian southpaw will find him too much, too late. He is 42-0 and 47 years old.
He’s really getting on now, and to be really honest, I could have defeated him when he was at his best. The fact that he is 47 will not assist his case when I start to let go on Friday night and he is not hurting me. Since I am a welterweight, I believe that my size will also play a significant role.
He is going to be a featherweight, so hopefully this will help.
“I’ve got to try and do better than Liam Williams last week now.
I don’t punch like Liam but you know what you are going to get with me, I’m going to be throwing 300-400 punches a round. I don’t care what I get hit with and he doesn’t have the power to keep me off him. I know that f or a fact.
“As soon as he sets his feet, that’s game over for him.”