Gavin McDonnell to fight Vusi Malinga for vacant WBA International Super Bantamweight title
Thursday 11 September 2014 23:35, UK
Gavin McDonnell will fight South African Vusi Malinga for the vacant WBA International Super Bantamweight title in Hull at the end of October, live on Sky Sports.
The unbeaten 28-year-old from Doncaster is keen to make the step up after vacating his British title and will take on the former World title challenger at the Ice Arena on Saturday October 25.
Malinga has twice fought for major world titles against Leo Santa Cruz and Hozumi Hasegawa. He lost to Stuart Hall in Leeds in December for the IBF Bantamweight title and returns to England with a score to settle.
McDonnell joins local stars Luke Campbell MBE and Tommy Coyle in facing litmus tests’ of their career ambitions.
"Gavin wanted a test of his credentials at world level and he’s certainly got that in Vusi Malinga," said promoter Eddie Hearn. "It’s great credit to him and his team for taking this fight and if Gavin can land the win, it catapults him onto the big stage."
Campbell will face Daniel Brizuela for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental Lightweight belt while Coyle defends the IBF International Lightweight title against former WBO interim champion Michael Katsidis.
Rising star Gamal Yafai from Birmingham will also appear on the bill alongside a host of young local talent including Nathon Smith, Tom Knight, Charlie Payton and Connor Seymour.
