Gavin McDonnell v Rey Vargas: Preview of WBC super-bantamweight title fight
Saturday 25 February 2017 21:57, UK
Your one stop preview as Gavin McDonnell battles Rey Vargas for the vacant WBC super-bantamweight title, live on Sky Sports.
Background
McDonnell steps up to world title level for the first time in his career when he faces Vargas at Hull Ice Arena on Saturday night.
McDonnell and Vargas are the WBC's two highest-ranked contenders and received their chance to fight for the belt after previous champion Hozumi Hasegawa announced his retirement in December.
Live Fight Night
The Yorkshireman enters the fight as an underdog, despite winning European and British belts, as he must find a way to overcome a highly-rated Mexican, who holds a daunting record of 28 wins, including 22 knockouts.
Home advantage will help McDonnell in his bid to become the second world champion in the family, with twin brother Jamie already established as a title holder in the bantamweight division.
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What the fighters say
If Rey Vargas hasn't prepared, or underestimates me in the slightest, I'm going to make him pay.
I am going to win this fight, even being in his backyard. He has that home advantage but I will win.
What the pundits say
I think Gavin could surprise us, like his brother Jamie has always done. If he steps up a level, we are going to see something special from Gavin.
I think Gavin will control his emotion and stay focused. If he can do that in every round, I believe Gavin McDonnell will become the WBC champion.
Rey Vargas looks a tall, rangy fighter who can bang as well, but it's up to Gavin McDonnell to really make a statement. He can, and he will.
The weigh-in
Gavin McDonnell: 8st 8lbs 8oz
Rey Vargas: 8st 8lbs
The time draws near
Watch Gavin McDonnell vs Rey Vargas from the Hull Ice Arena, live from 8pm, Saturday, on Sky Sports 2.
