WITH the news that Hozumi Hasegawa had retired from boxing, his WBC super-bantamweight title became vacant and it was subsequently announced that the top two contenders โ Rey Vargas and Gavin McDonnell โ would box for the belt. McDonnell โ twin brother of top bantamweight Jamie McDonnell โ is excited at the prospect of his first attempt at world honours.
How long have you known about the title shot?
Weโve known a while, sort of since Hasegawa won the title. He said something like โwin or lose, Iโll retireโ before the fight. So we heard that he was going to retire and if he does weโll be ready. Itโs been a few weeks weโve known but itโs hard to get too excited. You hear somebodyโs retiring or something and you think, โoh thatโs me next in line,โ but you donโt want to be too excited because if they donโt retire youโre going to be devastated, arenโt you? Not many people retire after they win a title so credit to him, retiring on top, but most people donโt do it. Iโm always in the gym usually but this time I made sure I kept my weight down just in case.
In these big close fights home advantage gives you a boost. Iโve been away with Jamie and thereโs only a handful of people supporting you so itโs all in my favour. [In this country] it would mean everyoneโs given me the best possible chance to win it and then itโs up to me โ and I wonโt let anyone down.
Have you seen much of Vargas?
Iโve watched a bit of him, my managerโs watched him, my trainerโs watched him and everybodyโs whoโs watched him is full of confidence, โGav youโve got a real good chance.โ Heโs no superman, heโs very beatable. We know heโs a good kid but the champions are proven and tested and this is probably a better fight for me, heโs not quite on the world scene yet, neither am I. Itโs a big chance. Iโm more than confident. That green belt, it raises not just me but him as well and thatโs what will make it a good fight. Iโve noticed in the gym, you just want it a bit more. You want to impress. Itโs nice to get people writing me off, people saying Iโm up against it โ you want that. Iโm looking forward to proving everyone wrong. Iโve had it all my life. Iโll be more than ready by the time it comes round.
I know Jamie was a big part of the reason behind you committing to boxing, how much inspiration have you taken from what heโs achieved on the world scene?
In 2010 I watched him win his European title and I thought, โif he can do it, I can do it.โ Over the years, even now, I think โwowโ when I look at what Iโve done, Iโve won a few titles and exceeded where I first thought. Now, I want to be a unified champion, I want to move up in weight to win world titles and I really believe I can do it, whether people think I can or not. At the end of the day itโs only me that has to believe it because itโs me that goes out there and does it. Iโm full of confidence.
This feature was originally published in Boxing News magazine