I'M GAVIN A LAUGH!

The 23-year-old prankster's favourite trick is to smear a tube of Colgate on their hotel beds.

Gavin said: "Some of the other boys get it from me.

Bump

"When light-welterweight Bradley Saunders was going to sleep he got a surprise because I'd put toothpaste all over his pillow. His face was in a right mess!

"I do other things, too, like turn the direction signs the wrong way round at the airports. I have seen people turn around and bump into each other!

"Boxing is such an intense sport that you need a release."

But the Birmingham lightweight — nicknamed Funtime Frankie — is not joking when he says he wants to better British boxing superstar Amir Khan by winning Olympic gold in Beijing this summer.

Gavin sparred with Khan prior to the Bolton youngster winning Olympic silver in Athens four years ago.

Khan is now eyeing a world title fight after turning professional after his Athens success.

And Gavin added: "What Amir has achieved is amazing. People look up to him and are inspired by him.

"I want people to look at me in the same way.

"I remember sitting at home four years ago and watching him win his silver on telly. I went mad and nearly knocked over the TV set! It made me believe I could do it as well."

Route

He's already on the right path. He became the first British amateur to win a world championship gold when he outpointed Italian Domenico Valentino in Chicago last November.

Now he wants another gold in Beijing.

He said: "Winning in Chicago gave me even more belief.

"People were starting to view me as a medal hope and now I'm seen as a real contender for gold.

"I want to go the same route as Amir. I want to make my name at the Olympics and then turn professional."

Gavin is part of Britain's Olympic boxing team which also has high hopes for Saunders, Joe Murray (bantamweight), and Tony Jeffries (light-heavyweight). They have all benefited over the last four years from increased National Lottery funding.

And Gavin added: "The money has meant we have been able to cover travel expenses, buy better equipment for the gym and create an environment for winners.

"It makes a big difference for all boxers and it means the dream of winning a gold medal is not as far-fetched as it used to be."

Poster

Gavin is hoping his biggest fan — grandmother Margaret — will be able to make the trip to China.

"Lots of people are rooting for me but Nan is my biggest fan. I hope she can make it to the Games but we must wait and see.

"She has always encouraged me and has even put up a poster of me in her front window.

"She also has some picture cards of me and is always handing them out to people in the shops, so it can be a bit embarrassing!"

*BOXERS like Frankie benefit from National Lottery funding which pays for the best coaches and support available to help them win medals for Great Britain. To find out more go to www.uksport.gov.uk