Stuart Hall is thrilled to finally get another crack at a McDonnell AND move himself into a position for a last shot at world glory.
The Darlington star will challenge Gavin McDonnell for the WBC international super-bantamweight championship at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday, June 16.
Hall has wanted a re-match with Jamie McDonnell ever since the Doncaster fighter beat him in their British, Commonwealth and European title treble back in 2011.
However, the 38-year-old will have to make do with Gavin for the WBC international rather than the WBA world champ.
Not that Stuey is complaining as he is up for the battle in Newcastle next month when this Darlo-Donny confrontation will be just part of the huge event Eddie Hearn is bringing to the North-East.
“I always wanted to fight Jamie again so this is the closest thing to a re-match,” said Hall, pictured second from the right of the June 16 cast list in Newcastle .
“Me and Gav know each other well and are quite friendly really.
“Gav is on a good run an has just had a great win against one of my stablemates, Gamal Yafai [in Sheffield in March].
“I believe I have the tools to beat Gav and I think it will be a great fight.”
Hall has moved up to super-bantam having defied Father Time for years by making bantamweight.
Last time out, he lost to old nemesis, Paul Butler, in a WBA world title eliminator in Liverpool.
The Scouser deserved his points win though Hall was in contention throughout and Stuey, who is splitting his training between Birmingham and Darlington, where he operates out of Pete Shepperson’s gym, says he will be even better this time.
“I’ve changed a few things,” he said. “I’m doing the nutrition right, and all the things I’m doing will put me in good stead for the fight.”
Hall was IBF world bantamweight champion in 2013-14 and believes he has a crack left in him at the big one at super-bantam.
So too does McDonnell who lost to Mexico’s Rey Vargas for the WBC crown in Hull last year.
“I know Stuey will be bringing his A-game,” said the 32-year-old (pictured second left). “He’s a tough, experienced fighter and he’s been in some great fights.
“I know he’ll be there for 12 rounds.
“This is a good fight for me and one I’m confident of coming through and it will be more step towards a world title.
“I genuinely believe I can win a world title.
“I’ve had a close one. Looking back it might have come a bit too soon for me.
“Next time around, I’ll take it, 100 per cent.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Ian Horrocks/ Matchroom
