Gavin McDonnell closing in on second world title fight

McDonnell will face veteran Hall in Newcastle on June 16, defending his WBC International super bantamweight title.

And he knows victory is vital if he is to get his wish of a world title fight from promoter Eddie Hearn.

“Eddie has said that if I come through this he will deliver another shot at a world title and that’s all the motivation I need,” the Dunscroft fighter said. “When you are on the journey you don’t believe that you are as good as you are but I genuinely believe I can win a world title.

“I’ve had a close one with Rey Vargas but it might have come a bit too soon.

“I didn’t think it at the time but looking back it now, I think I’m more prepared and I’ve learned so much.

“In boxing you can be so close for it to all be taken away. That’s what is driving me on and this time I will 100 per cent take my chances against Stuey and beyond.”

Hall faced McDonnell’s twin brother Jamie in a British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight title bout in 2011.

The Darlington fighter has long campaigned for a shot at Jamie’s world title.

And Gavin says this is the closest he will come to that rematch.

McDonnell said: “It’s a massive fight.

“Stuey has been looking for revenge over my twin brother and he’s been asking for that fight for a long time, but this is the nearest he’s going to get.

“I know he’ll bring his A-game and that’s all I want.

“I am after big fights that people want to watch and this gets the bit between my teeth and another step towards a world title fight.”

McDonnell got his quest for another world title shot off to an excellent start with a comprehensive win over Gamal Yafai last time out.