The current WBA world bantamweight champion, McDonnell (28-2-1-KO13), after a four match winning streak has hinted to move up to 122lbs weight division and demolish pound-for pound best boxer Guillermo Rigondeaux’s who remains unbeaten.
Rigondeaux (16-0-KO10) is the current WBA Super super-bantamweight champion and widely considered as the most dangerous fighter on the planet. However, the 30-year-old fighter from Britain is determined to dethrone the Cuban fighter who is still undefeated in 16 fights.
The Doncaster fighter told Sky Sports: “I always say I want the biggest fights. Defences like the last kid I fought [Fernando Vargas], you don’t get any respect because they expect you to bowl them over. I want the big names because it gives you more motivation to train.”
“Most people write me off anyway so I like to prove them wrong. There’s no better way than jumping in with one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. I wouldn’t take the fight for a pay day – I genuinely believe I’m going to beat him. “
“If you look at what I’ve won and you look at some of the other world champions, they’ve not won half of what I’ve won but they’re more recognized. There’s not a lot you can do about that but like I said, I’ll fight anyone. I’m out there to prove everyone wrong.”
“There’s not much more I can do than keep getting in there and keep winning but if the Rigondeaux fight comes off, I’ll get the recognition then. I’m a massive underdog but that’s what I like. I like to get in there and prove people wrong and that’s the fight I want.”
McDonnel wants to prove himself by beating the 35-year-old Southpaw from Cuba. His promoter Eddie Hearn has also stated recently that his next target will be to contour 122lbs. McDonnell became the WBA world champion in May 2015 after he stopped Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat inside 10 rounds, and followed that up with four consecutive defenses.
