Gavin McDonnell feels he has a point to prove to the British boxing public when he returns to the ring on Saturday night.
The Doncaster fighter was bitterly disappointed with his performance when battling out a draw against Barnsley’s Josh Wale when defending his British super bantamweight title earlier this year.
And he knows he has to be better when facing the tough Vusi Malinga for the vacant WBA International title in Hull tomorrow night.
“There’s a lot more in me than there was that night,” McDonnell said. “That wasn’t me at my best.
“The first time I fought Josh last year, I was much better.
“Through things I did myself I wasn’t close to being as good. Not making excuses – he did well and we drew the fight.
“I just know that I’m several levels above that level.”
The 28-year-old found himself subject to criticism during the summer when he decided to relinquish the British title in order to pursue loftier ambitions.
McDonnell was set for a mandatory defence of the British crown against former Kid Galahad opponent Jazza Dickens but relinquished the title in order to take opportunities like tomorrow night’s which will see him face a former three time world championship contender.
He said: “I’ve got to do what is best for me and my path.
“There are more positives than negatives.
“I believe I will win this fight and it will put me in a much better position.
“I’ll be working my way up the world rankings rather than defending the British title in back-to-back mandatories because there’s Dickens and then another fight with Josh Wale had been ordered.
“I believe I’m above British level and I’m going to be above it.”