Gavin Gwynne, the 'Merthyr Mexican', targets WBA intercontinental lightweight title at Wembley Arena
Gavin Gwynne will face Zelfa Barrett at Wembley Arena on Saturday, 14 November for the WBA intercontinental lightweight title, the 36-year-old Welshman having previously held Welsh, British, Commonwealth and European lightweight titles as well as the WBA International Super Lightweight belt.
Gwynne's profile has risen after a May upset over previously 16-fight unbeaten Khaleel Majid, when he claimed the WBA international belt at the weight above and moved up the rankings. He left carpentry and building-site work to turn professional full-time a few years ago and now trains alongside former world champion Joe Cordina while taking tough sparring with Lee Selby. Gwynne says he has sometimes been overlooked in Wales despite a readiness to fight anyone.
"I'm 36 but just feel like I'm getting better," Gwynne told BBC Sport Wales. "Just look at Anthony Cacace, he was 35 when he won his world title. That's what I want. I want these big fights, even if I can get a title shot. All I have to do is win this fight and it pushes me in contention. It's must-win."
Gwynne says his 'Merthyr Mexican' nickname originated while sparring in Los Angeles. "That's where the nickname came from," he smiled. "The coach came out [just] as me and this local guy were sparring lumps out of each other. He asked me where I was from and I told him 'Merthyr' as if he was going to know where that was, and he said: "Oh, the Merthyr Mexican!" "It suits as I'm non-stop and I just love fighting. It's just in me."
The fighter is notable for a roaring lion tattoo on his throat that took four hours to complete. "That lion is inside me, always trying to get out, so that's what's behind it," Gwynne explained. "The pain was unbearable to be honest. I had to stick it because I wouldn't have gone back to finish it if I'd left."
Gwynne's recent bouts have often been physical contests and his November 2024 defeat to the previously unbeaten Cameron Vuong was met with boos from the crowd at the judges' decision. He acknowledges facing Zelfa Barrett will be "a step up in class" when they meet on Saturday, 14 November.
Changes to his training routine under Lockett, including being told to rest more, followed a period when Gwynne says he had been overtraining. "I was draining myself and I was leaving it all in the gym," said Gwynne. "Come fight night, I didn't have anything left." "It's a massive step - and, as I say, it's must win because I haven't got time to build myself back up now," he added, casting a glance at some of the young Welsh hopefuls in Lockett's gym.
A win over Barrett would put Gwynne closer to world level, with the WBA intercontinental lightweight title at stake at Wembley Arena on Saturday, 14 November.