Experience Fuelling McDonnell’s Confidence Ahead Of Yafai Clash
Gavin McDonnell has the bit between his teeth ahead of his domestic clash against British rival Gamal Yafai. The Super-bantamweight pair will battle it out for the WBC International title this Saturday at the Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield.
Their fight is part Kell Brook’s ‘Rise Again’ card bout against Belarusian fighter Sergey Rabchenko.
Gavin is in a confident mood ahead of his 22nd professional contest as he feels that his experience will be a major advantage over Yafai.
“Gamal isn’t very proven,” said McDonnell. “He’s only had a couple of tester fights. There’s just a lot of hype surrounding him”
“We saw what happened to Eubank the other day – you can’t read too much into hype. I’m proven at every level and that’s what’s going to make the difference.”
This fight will be the first return to the ring for Gavin since his points loss against Rey Vargas when they fought for the vacant WBC super-bantamweight title in Hull last February.
“Fighting for the world title will stay with me forever. Even though I got beat, it’s a box ticked,
“I need a big year now to get that world title. This fight means everything – I need to win and I know 100% that I will”
Yafai is unbeaten in his 13 professional bouts compared to McDonnell’s 18 victories in 21 fights.
Gavin told us: “Gamal can bring a bit of power and boxing ability, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve dealt with guys who are similar and better than him so all I’ve got to do is concentrate and perform how I know I can perform.
“The best Gavin McDonnell beats the best Gamal Yafai.”
With the fight quickly approaching, Gavin is leaving his training camp feeling confident.
“I’ve had a great camp building up to the fight – up there with the best I’ve had. I can see where I’ve improved as a fighter and I genuinely believe I’m much better than I was this time last year.
“The training’s been hard, but you have to push yourself. I’m the type to push that little bit further because I know that even half a percent can make the difference. There’s nobody who puts it in like me. I just keep going in the gym until I can’t give any more.”
Looking towards the future, Gavin’s eyes are firmly on the world championship belt.
“The ultimate goal is to become world champion. This fight is my world title fight because if I don’t win, there’s no title shot.
“Every fight is a world title and every fight is a must win.”
By Harry Ingham
Check Out What Happen’s Behind The Scenes…
Boxing Science Profiles are our new special features on the athletes, giving you an insight to their training, upcoming fights and career aspirations!
In this episode, Gavin McDonnell works hard in the lab as he prepares for his clash with Gamal Yafai. We explain his training methods, and what a beast Gav is on our ‘red zone’ runs.