Eddie Hearn describes it as a “must-win fight for both men” and the promoter appears to have summed up Gavin McDonnell v Stuart Hall to a T. T for terrific.
Saturday’s WBC battle of the 30-somethings at the Metro Radio Arena promises to be some shoot-out between two ‘old’ gun-slingers who know, at their respective ages, that their days at the top level could be over if the result goes the other way.
McDonnell, one half of the Doncaster fighting twins (Brother Jamie has just relinquished his world bantamweight title) it has to be said is in cracking form, while Hall looks bang up for this after world-level defeats on two of his last three bouts.
Gavin is defending the WBC International super-bantamweight belt he won in superb fashion in Sheffield back in March against the previously-undefeated Gamal Yafai.
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You would have to say the 32-year-old is the favourite, but write off Darlington’s first-ever world champion at your peril.
The 38-year-old ex-IBF bantamweight king has worked his guts out in Darlington coach Pete Shepperson’s HQ, including 52 rounds with North-East neighbour Anthony Nelson, who fights on the same Matchroom bill in Newcastle.
“These are the big fights that I’m in this game for ,” said Hall.
“I’m proper up for this, I’ve had a really good camp, we’ve covered all angles and I’ve a funny feeling they’ve overlooked me, bigger fools them.”
Hall has never been in a dull fight and has gone the distance with Paul Butler and Lee Haskins in his most recent title assaults.
With a big North-East crowd behind him, the spur given to him from the fans might just inspire Stuey.
Gavin knows a world title fight could be just around the corner and insists Team McDonnel are not looking beyond their challenger.
“We haven’t taken Stuey lightly one bit,” said McDonnell. “We know what he brings to the table, he’s never in a bad fight.
“But I have the bit between my teeth and I really want to make a statement.
“Saturday night you will see that.”
Hall’s clash with McDonnell is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle where local star Lewis Ritson can win the British lightweight title outright against unbeaten Belfast star Paul Hyland Jnr and Sunderland’s brilliant Josh Kelly challenges Commonwealth welterweight champion Kris George.
South Shields star Anthony Nelson goes into battle with Charlie Edwards for the vacant WBA Continental super-flyweight title and Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily.
Former three-weight World champion Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time as a pro.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
