South Yorkshire boxing: Trainer backs Tony Bellew and Jamie McDonnell to overcome the odds

Trainer Dave Coldwell believes Tony Bellew and Jamie McDonnell can overcome formidable odds to win next month.
Jamie McDonnell trains with Dave ColdwellJamie McDonnell trains with Dave Coldwell
Jamie McDonnell trains with Dave Coldwell

Bellew tackles David Haye in a rematch of their 2017 grudge clash and Doncaster’s McDonnell faces Naoya Inoue in Japan.

The Rotherham trainer said: “I look at the two fights in May and although they both look daunting on paper, this is boxing and with the right game plan and circumstances, nothing is beyond Tony and Jamie as they go into these huge occasions on away ground.

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“The pair of them have been defying the odds ever since they walked in my gym and I fully believe they can continue that trend.”

Coldwell added: “There’s no doubting how hard these fights are going to be. Haye is eager to prove a point and he’s essentially fighting to save his career.

“He’s made changes to his body and to his team from the first fight, and I think we’re going to see a bit more sharpness and speed from the first fight.

“He’s getting older, but I’m still preparing Tony to be facing the best ever version of Haye (May 5.)

Dave Coldwell and Tony BellewDave Coldwell and Tony Bellew
Dave Coldwell and Tony Bellew
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“Inoue is an altogether different threat as he’s in blistering form and is one of the best fighters on the planet.

“He’s coming to bantamweight to take on Jamie so he’s also taking a big step, but I’ve noticed a few things with him that I believe Jamie can exploit (May 25.)

“This away environment is what makes Jamie come alive and if he can get a result in Japan then maybe it’ll be time that British boxing finally begins to salute him.”

Coldwell relishes the dual challenges.

Dave Coldwell and Tony BellewDave Coldwell and Tony Bellew
Dave Coldwell and Tony Bellew

“It’s getting near, but it’s what I’m in boxing for” he said.

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“Nights like these are what I dream about at night because I love this sport. I love my job as a trainer and I want to be the very best that I can be. Testing yourself against the world’s best fighters is a massive motivation for me as a trainer, and all I want is to give my lads the best version of me so I can help them achieve glory that they’ve dreamed about themselves.