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Boxer Frankie Gavin's Olympic dream over

07/08/2008

Lightweight boxer Frankie Gavin's dreams of Olympic gold are over after he failed to make his weight.

Team GB confirmed on Thursday the 22-year-old had left their Macau training camp ahead of tomorrow's opening ceremony at the Beijing Games.

Gavin was one of Britain's best hopes for gold at the Olympics after becoming the first-ever UK amateur lightweight world champion in Chicago last year.

The boxer, who now must decide whether to delay turning professional until after London 2012, is said to be "devastated" at his withdrawal.

Boxing head coach Terry Edwards admitted Gavin had "struggled" with his weight in recent months and had ultimately failed to make the 60kg maximum.

"My advice to him has been to take stock over the next couple of weeks and I will talk to him about his future as soon as I get home," Edwards said.

"Frankie is leaving a very talented group of boxers here in Beijing, and our focus has never faltered from making sure they have the best preparation and support to allow them to perform to the best of their ability in the Olympic boxing ring."

Team GB chief Simon Clegg added: "It is always regrettable when an athlete who has qualified for the Olympic Games is unable to compete but the BOA's focus is now to support its remaining 312 Team GB athletes who begin competing this Saturday."