Warren enthused by rookies

Promoter Frank Warren hailed exciting rookies James DeGale and Frankie Gavin as "guaranteed future champions" after watching both youngsters produce impressive performances on Friday night.

Olympic gold medallist DeGale and former world amateur champion Gavin made it four wins from four with stoppage victories at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

Londoner DeGale systematically broke previously unbeaten Cumbrian novice Ally Morrison apart en route to a third-round technical knockout while Birmingham's Gavin was highly impressive as he floored veteran Steve Saville to force a second-round stoppage.

Promoter Warren, who snapped up both men and fellow former amateur star Billy Joe Saunders last year, admits he is more excited by the trio with every performance.

"I thought our two Olympians both boxed superbly," Warren said after the pair's victories. "They both showed a different dimension to what we have seen before now and they are progressing in such a way that I'm very confident that next year they will definitely be fighting for titles.

"I'm not talking about world titles but they will fight for titles and I don't think there are too many people who will trouble them as time goes on."

Warren added: "I thought Frankie boxed so intelligently. He picked his shots, he looked good going backwards and forwards, and stopped a guy out who was expected to be in there for quite a few rounds. I was pleased with that.

"I thought James was superb. His finishing is brilliant, like Frankie. Once they've got a guy in trouble they are on them.

"These, to me are guaranteed future champions, quality fighters. For me it's very exciting to be involved with them and I think we're going to have some really good times over the next couple of years seeing them, along with Billy Joe, going on to win titles and hopefully become world champions.

"I really do believe they can do it."