Gavin McDonnell is confident of ripping the WBA Super Bantamweight title away from Daniel Roman in what he calls his ‘dream fight’ to establish himself as a name on the world scene.
McDonnell is set to face Roman in Chicago, on October 6th, on DAZN, with Jessie Vargas headlining the bill.
It will be McDonnell’s first fight, not on UK soil, and it’s an opportunity he is relishing.
“Obviously, it’s the dream fight, isn’t it? World title over in the States. They don’t come much bigger than this. It’s what we work so hard for,” The 32-year-old exclusively told World Boxing News.
“It’s here now, and I’m just looking forward to going over there and achieving my dream,”
Roman won his title back in 2017 on foreign soil against a reigning champion and will be no easy touch for the Doncaster fighter.
“I know he’s a good fighter, and he’s a worthy champion. He won it abroad in Japan and has defended it against good fighters – undefeated fighters.
He’s a worthy champion, and it’s going to be a hard fight, but one I’m confident in. It’ll be a great night for me. It’s one of them that will always be remembered, going over there and pulling off a win against a great champion.” McDonnell said.
“It’s not a vacant title which gives it that little bit more shine,” he added.
WBC
This won’t be McDonnell’s first stab at world honors. He has previously failed in a title tilt against Rey Vargas.
But McDonnell is a relative newcomer to boxing, having only first laced a pair of gloves at 22, and is learning all the time.
“Since I had my world title fight and got beat, I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve come on a lot. I’m a totally different fighter; I genuinely believe this is the right time.
“At the time when I fought Vargas, I thought it was the right time. But looking back now, now is the right time, and I’m going to make it count.
“I’m still learning all the time. These fights have been good preparation. We have good momentum. It’s time now to step up and win the world title.”
The fight will be part of DAZN’s first boxing card, and a win would do wonders for his profile, both in America and in his native UK.
“Eddie and Matchroom have got big things going on over there. It’s time to jump on the bandwagon and showcase what I’m about.
“Hopefully, I can go onto big things and snowball it and make myself a name on the world scene,” McDonnell stated.
The fight will also be broadcast on Sky in the UK, with fellow Brit Callum Johnson seeking to dethrone IBF Light Heavyweight titlist Artur Beterbiev.
Thomas Davison was a staff writer for World Boxing News.
