Shackles on Gavin McDonnell as he looks to get straight back on it after Daniel Roman defeat

Gavin McDonnell is having to be put on the leash already as he looks for a quick return to action following defeat in his world title fight.
Gavin McDonnell in action against Daniel Roman. Picture: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USAGavin McDonnell in action against Daniel Roman. Picture: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA
Gavin McDonnell in action against Daniel Roman. Picture: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

McDonnell suffered a tenth round stoppage in his bid to take the WBA super bantamweight title away from Daniel Roman in Chicago last weekend.

Determined to get straight back into action as he chases a third world title fight, McDonnell is reluctantly resting up under the orders of trainer Dave Coldwell.

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'I wouldn't have minded getting out before Christmas but Dave says I've had three tough fights on the bounce, no real time off and I just need to enjoy it,' McDonnell said.

'The morning after the fight I got up and wanted to go into the gym but I thought Dave would disown me if he found out I'd been training the day after a fight.

'I've already been out on the bike round the village in the sun. Nothing crazy. Just having a little think, thinking I'm happy with life but also excited about what's to come.

'In a couple of weeks I'll start knocking about the gym again and just try to keep myself ticking over.'

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McDonnell has quickly come to terms with the defeat and is keen to strike while the iron is hot after impressing against classy Roman last weekend.

And he is determined to make sure it is third time lucky should he land another opportunity at world honours.

'I'm itching to get going '“ 2019 is going to be my year,' McDonnell said.

'Thinking about 2018, it's been a brilliant year. Two great wins, a newborn baby and a world title fight in America. It doesn't get much better than that.

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'But next year, if it's anything like this year, it'll be brilliant.

'Hopefully Eddie Hearn [promoter] can pull something out of the bag.

'Tony Bellew said to me '˜look, you're world class now. You're not going back to no rubbish fights now.

'Hopefully I'll have some news on the next fight in the next couple of weeks.

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'When you're at a certain level, surely they should be able to line something up.

'My stock has risen after this latest fight if anything.

'Hopefully I'll be out early next year, though I'd really fancy something before Christmas.

'The motivation is massive. I want to get back out quickly and in big fights.'