Bull: ‘A win for Gavin McDonnell won’t be topped’

STEFY BULL is adamant that a win for Gavin McDonnell over WBA super-bantamweight champion Daniel Roman on Saturday in Chicago, will be a win that won’t be topped in British boxing for a long time.

McDonnell will be a part of Matchroom Boxing’s first US card as part of the eight-year deal with DAZN and Bull is more than confident that the Doncaster man has the beating of Roman, who is making the third defence of the title he won last September in Japan.

Roman was announced as one of Matchroom’s big signings when they confirmed their monumental deal across the pond, yet Bull thinks that Gavin, who was beaten for the WBC title last February by Rey Vargas, has all the tools to add a world title to his ever-growing collection of belts.

Bull told Boxing News: “Gavin’s fight with Daniel Roman is more than winnable. Put it this way, he is no Rey Vargas. Roman is flat footed and fights at a very steady pace, whilst Gavin just grows as a fight goes on, whilst keeping a fast pace, so Roman will really have to work for this.

“Gav is flying at the moment and although he is technically away from home, this is still a Matchroom card and he remains a Matchroom fighter, so he is going to get a fair crack. They won’t be too concerned who wins or loses, as a win for Roman sees him carry on over there, whilst if Gavin wins, there will be a rematch over here, as there is a clause and Gav is a voluntary defence. I’m more than confident he can win this.

“It’s a win that won’t be topped for a very long time in this country. To win a world title in your own country is impressive enough, but to do it on the road is another thing altogether. Then to do that having had barely any amateur experience, having to prove that you are eligible for a professional licence drawing in your fifth fight and then joining your twin brother as a world champion. That is the stuff dreams are made of.”

A win for McDonnell will be the final part of what could be a successful weekend for Bull, who promotes his own card the night before, headlined by Robbie Barrett and Matty Fagan’s clash, whilst former British bantamweight champion Josh Wale is also in action in his hometown.

Bull will be making a quick dash across the Atlantic to be there for McDonnell, but not before he has seen his young charges secure potential opportunities for themselves in 2019.

He said: “It’s going to be a manic weekend. Not many promote their own card on Friday, before jumping on an 8am plane to the States to see another of their fighters win a world title. My own card has been a bit of a headache, especially with the situation regarding Josh Wale’s fight, so hopefully it all runs smoothly.

“The fight between Barrett and Fagan is an excellent domestic fight where a win will open doors for you, whilst there is another excellent clash between Kyle Yousaf and Conor Blackshaw for the English flyweight title.

“Andy Townend was due to fight Atif Shafiq in an eliminator for the British, however Atif has pulled out and Andy will have to face a foreign opponent, as no domestic fighter will take it on short notice. I’m confident Andy will be mandatory for the British lightweight title after, so he will face the winner of Joe Cordina and Scotty Cardle’s fight on November 10 in 2019.”