McDonnell: "If I Stay Undefeated, Everything Will Come My Way"

By Matt Bevan

Doncaster super-bantamweight Gavin McDonnell is looking to stay more active in 2016 and knows that if he remains undefeated he will almost certainly be in line for a shot at a world title sooner rather than later.

McDonnell (14-0-2, 4 KOs) only fought twice last year, winning and defending the European crown, which he has since vacated as he aims to emulate his twin brother Jamie and pursue world honours.

The 29-year-old believes his October 2014 win over Jeremy Parodi was a breakout fight for him and it appears likely he will next be in action in Sheffield, on the same night Kell Brook defends his IBF welterweight title against mandatory Kevin Bizier on a date yet to be announced.

McDonnell told BoxingScene.com: “It’s obvious to say, but if you remain undefeated, then everything will come my way. I’m like any fighter, as I want it all now, but I’ve got to stay focused, keep on winning and my time will come.

“I want to be much more active in 2016 and I’d love have three, perhaps four meaningful fights that test me and by this time next year I’ll be knocking on the door and pushing for a title shot.

“My last win against Parodi was the biggest win of my career and a standout performance for me. I had a lot of pressure on me and he was on me constantly, but I dealt with it and it was wide on the cards, although it didn't feel like it in there.

“It was a good learning fight and the things I was working on in the gym came naturally to me, so I’m ready for the next one so I can impress once more. It looks like the next one will be on the next Brook bill in Sheffield, I’m just waiting on the date, as I’ve been in the gym since the start of December, so I’m ready and already in good shape.”

Although quiet in the ring, it was a busy 2015 for McDonnell outside of the ring, which included a switch in trainer to Dave Coldwell along with his brother Jamie, who Gavin supported twice on his two trips to Texas where both times he got the better of the highly touted Japanese star Tomoki Kameda.

McDonnell now holds a top 10 ranking with the WBC and IBF and is hoping to improve his on his position during the year. He’s come a long way since his debut in 2010, after deciding to return to a sport he left as an amateur.

The Doncaster man also has his eyes on the long awaited battle in the super-bantamweight division between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton in Manchester on February 27, where the WBA Super and IBF belts are on the line.

“2016 was an interesting one for me with Jamie’s fights and moving to Coldwell as my trainer. But, I saw the improvements almost from day one and I’m looking to build on it this year, so there’s no reason why I can’t emulate Jamie.

“I’ve vacated the European, so I can head towards world honours and I’ve already got good rankings with the WBC and IBF. I want to improve that and get an eliminator of some sort and keep on heading in the right direction.

“When I see my name up there, I think I must be doing something right. Time goes quickly and you don't get chance to step back and see what you’ve achieved, so in a short space of time, I’ve done well and I’m really proud of myself.

“I’d be lying though if I said I wasn't interested in the Quigg-Frampton fight, as it’s the big one in the division. I don't think I’m too far behind them, but I’m getting there, so when I’ve had 20 fights and earned my stripes, I’ll be ready. They’ve proven they belong at the top and now I want to do the same.”

Matt Bevan is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @MBevs68