Gavin McDonnell faces Vusi Malinga on October 25; Doncaster man welcomes former title challenger to Hull in huge step-up:
Gavin McDonnell will face Vusi Malinga at the Ice Arena in Hull on October 25. Unbeaten McDonnell vacated his British title in the quest to move onto the world stage and he dives straight into the deep-end in that pursuit against the South African, who returns to England with a score to settle having lost to Stuart Hall in his last outing in Leeds in December for the IBF Bantamweight title.
Malinga had previously challenged Leo Santa Cruz (pictured above) and Hozumi Hasegawa for World honors, and 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.”
McDonnell’s meeting with Malinga joins Campbell’s clash with Daniel Brizuela and Coyle’s fight against Michael Katsidis.
