Skip to content

Jamie McDonnell and brother Gavin deserve better, says Dave Coldwell

Trainer Dave Coldwell believes Jamie McDonnell and twin brother Gavin deserve more recognition for their success.

WBA world bantamweight champion Jamie has also won English, British and European titles while Gavin recently added the European super-bantamweight crown to his British one.

Yet with the likes of Tyson Fury and Kell Brook dominating the headlines, Coldwell feels the Doncaster brothers are too often overlooked by media and public alike when discussing the remarkable surge of British boxing success.

Coldwell told Sky Sports: "Thankfully, a lot of fans are starting to appreciate Jamie and Gavin but it still seems they're not getting the big push and the recognition they deserve.

Whenever it comes to talking about British world champions, Jamie is always the one at the end or forgotten about. I don't think that's fair considering what he's actually done.
Dave Coldwell

"Whenever it comes to talking about British world champions, Jamie is always the one at the end or forgotten about. I don't think that's fair considering what he's actually done.

"When you look at what he's done in his career, and no disrespect to the others because they're all world champions, if he was another name then he'd be an absolute superstar being given a big push. It's unfortunate.

"The thing that gets me as well is that these two kids have got characters. It's not like they are quiet guys who can't speak with a microphone in front of them. These two are absolutely hilarious, no matter what situation you are in.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

We put Jamie McDonnell and his twin Gavin on the spot

"Whether you're training or outside the gym, these kids are really funny when they're together and have really big personalities. If they were taken to a wide audience then I'm convinced it would be much different.

"They're lovely kids and quite respectful. It might be that. It's something that I think the people with media platforms should give them more of a push and get their name out there.

"They're involved in good fights. They might not be the most destructive punchers but they are always in good fights and they've won every belt out there between them. Every title fight they've been given, they've won."

Jamie McDonnell won his world title with a 10th-round stoppage of Tabtimdaeng Na Racahawat in May 2014 and recently made a pair of defences against highly-rated Japanese fighter Tomoki Kameda.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ed Robinson looks back at the May showdown between Jamie McDonnell and Tomoki Kameda

Around Sky