Craig Watson Eager To Get His Hands on John O'Donnell

By Terence Dooley

Manchester's Craig Watson has finally got his wish, the 27-year-old southpaw has been calling for John O'Donnell since dropping a close decision to the London-based Galway man in April of last year.  Watson, who boxes out of Joe Pennington's gym, picked up the Commonwealth light-middleweight title this April but was always adamant that O'Donnell was his chief target.  A O'Donnell-Watson rematch has been proposed by the BBBoC for the British welterweight title vacated by Kell Brook.

Watson told the MEN that he will leave no doubt this time around.  “This is my chance to redeem myself,” he said. “I didn’t think I lost in the first place and deep down I think he knows it too.  I think he will be scared of taking the fight because he knows I mean business.  I’m not going to take a backwards step – I will be all over him.  Last time it was nominated for fight of the year and it will be the same again.  I’ve never looked forward to anything more in my life – I’m ready for it and I’d take it tomorrow if I could.”

Watson, 18-3 (8), came through the hard way upon turning over; his knockdown of Amir Khan, when both men were amateurs, generated headlines yet the budding pro took a tough fight against John Fewkes after only eight contests; Craig lost that one on points but bounced back, eventually defeating Ali Nuumbembe for the Commonwealth welterweight title.

A points win over Matthew Hatton, the current EBU title holder, signalled the start of big things for Watson only for inactivity to rob him of this momentum.  Last year's loss to O'Donnell prompted a five fight winning streak, with the Commonwealth 154lb title win over Badru Lusambya a timely reminder of Watson's ability going into this mooted fight with O'Donnell.  Hatton Promotion's, who have helped Watson turn things around, are confident of winning the rights to stage the contest.

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