McDONNELL: I’LL BOUNCE BACK FROM HEARTBREAK
GAVIN McDONNELL insists the heartbreak of his loss to Rey Vargas will not stop him fulfilling his world-title dream.
The Doncaster fighter was gutted to drop a majority points decision to Vargas at Hull Ice Arena in his bid to become WBC super-bantamweight champion.
But McDonnell, 30, whose twin brother Jamie is the WBA bantamweight king, insists he will still be a world champion.
“I’ll come again,” he vowed defiantly. “I’ve only had 18 fights. I’ve gone the distance now with a great fighter. I’ve shown I belong at this level.
“I just need to start tweaking a few things. “I’ll get back in the gym and no doubt I’ll be a world champion. I just need a few more fights under my belt.”
Despite judge Ian John-Lewis inexplicably and generously scoring the fight a draw, McDonnell admitted he deserved to lose to the classy Vargas.
He did mount a rousing finale, but he knows he left himself too much to do because he could not counter the unbeaten 26-year-old Mexican’s superior jab.
“It was just those long arms,” said McDonnell, who was bidding with Jamie to become the first twins from the UK to hold world titles.
“He beat me fair and square. I gave it everything, but I just feel I let everybody down.
“It’s the first time topping the bill and I feel short this time.”