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Gavin McDonnell v Rey Vargas: Preview of WBC super-bantamweight title fight

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Gavin McDonnell says he fully deserves his WBC world title shot and he will fight for every round when he faces Rey Vargas

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.

What the fighters say

If Rey Vargas hasn't prepared, or underestimates me in the slightest, I'm going to make him pay.
Gavin McDonnell
I am going to win this fight, even being in his backyard. He has that home advantage but I will win.
Rey Vargas

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.
Johnny Nelson
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.
David Coldwell
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.
Tony Bellew

The weigh-in

Gavin McDonnell and Rey Vargas Weigh in for their fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title in Hull on tomorrow night.
24th February 2017.
Picture By Mark

Gavin McDonnell: 8st 8lbs 8oz

Rey Vargas: 8st 8lbs

Also See:

The time draws near

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Promoter Eddie Hearn has called for a 'bear pit' atmosphere in Hull to help Gavin McDonnell in WBC super-bantamweight title fight against Rey Vargas.

Watch Gavin McDonnell vs Rey Vargas from the Hull Ice Arena, live from 8pm, Saturday, on Sky Sports 2.

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