Brave Shikukutu loses in UK

Frankie Gavin extended his record to 19/0/0 (12) after a good win over dogged challenger Sacky Shikukutu at the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, UK. The bout scheduled for twelve rounds was for Gavin’s Commonwealth Welterweight Championship. The fight started fairly even with Shikukutu applying pressure and Gavin gauging his opponent and his style. Shikukutu started fast, throwing big winding punches forcing Gavin backwards out of danger. Round two started with Gavin taking his time working out his determined opponent until a loss of concentration momentarily resulted in a trip to the canvas courtesy of a Shikukutu hook to the body. Gavin, clearly shocked to be on the floor for the first time in his professional career, rose quickly and spent the rest of the round staying away from Shikukutu’s big lunging punches. Round three continued in a similar vein with Shikukutu applying lots of pressure and fighting at high velocity, aiming for the body. He had some success but spent the majority of the round hitting air as Gavin displayed superior defensive skills and footwork to keep clear. In round four Gavin started showing his class and putting his stamp on the fight. Sharp jabs and straights were beginning to find their target with Gavin using footwork and speed to avoid any traffic his way. Rounds five and six saw Gavin using his jab to set up his big punches and he was beginning to land combinations to Shikukutu’s head and body. Happy to let Shikukutu come on throwing big punches, Gavin easily evaded the noticeably tiring Namibian. By rounds seven and eight Gavin was completely in control and upped the pace stinging his opponents face with accurate jabs and creating space with footwork, Gavin was beginning to show the skills he is capable of, setting a pace that suited him. The last four rounds saw Gavin in complete control of a game opponent who came to fight, sadly for Shikukutu apart from the flash knockdown in the second round he was outclassed and outboxed. Noticeably tired he continued to throw looping punches but found his target had always vanished before any landed. Gavin showed maturity in keeping his concentration and saw out the fight easily, comfortable that he had done enough to win. The judges scored the fight 118-109, 117-111 and 118-109 all in favour of Frankie Gavin. Gavin now needs to step up in class and a shot at European champion Leonard Bundu would be a good step and an intriguing fight for the future before making a run for a world title challenge.