Paul Smith says Gavin McDonnell can reach same heights as Jamie
Thursday 22 October 2015 10:26, UK
Gavin McDonnell can seek inspiration from his twin Jamie but must ultimately forge his own path, says Paul Smith, who knows all about fighting families...
Your brothers can't throw punches for you. But Gavin knows that.
You train and work with them, and your brothers are in the ring spiritually with you, but you're in there fighting and you've got to do it yourself.
You have to be selfish, and every boxer is selfish. You need to have a nasty streak because you're getting into a ring to fight. It will just be you and him, and you've got to beat him.
When he gets in the ring, he needs to forget about his brother. Their kid can't get in there and help Gavin, and that's the same as it's always been for us four.
When he gets in the ring, he needs to forget about his brother. Their kid can't get in there and help Gavin.
Gavin's only in Jamie's shadow in the same way that Stephen, Callum and I and are in Liam's shadow - because they're the world champions.
Jamie is the better fighter at the minute but Gavin will get better. He has to keep doing his own thing, as harsh as that sounds.
When you're retired, you won't care which brother was the best. That's how I feel.
I'm delighted that my brother is world champion, it doesn't bother me that he was the first. I believe I should have won one, but even if I never boxed at all, I'd be just as happy for my brother.
Jamie and Gavin have the same relationship, the only difference is that there's only two of them and they're in the same weight class.
There won't be one bit of jealousy, or any rivalry. They will want each other to do as well as they can.
Liam saw me get a world title fight, saw what I did wrong and corrected it.
Gavin would have looked at his brother go out to the States and fight for world titles and he'll think, 'if he can do it, so can I'.
That's what brothers always believe. Every brother across the land thinks, 'if our kid can do it, I can do it'.
There's only a few people who care for you and truly have your best interests at heart, and that's family.
Joe Gallagher is the first voice I hear when I box, but then it's my brothers because I know they've been through it.
There are some countries around the world that have only had one world champion and the McDonnells could have two from the same house.
Live Fight Night
Watch Gavin McDonnell box Jeremy Parodi on Chris Eubank Jr's undercard on Saturday at 8pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
