The domestic boxing season gets off to a promising start in Doncaster on Saturday night with what should be an excellent bantamweight clash between local man Jamie McDonnell & rival Stuart Hall. It's the logical fight for both men, with McDonnell defending his European & Commonwealth titles, while Hall makes a 4th defense of the British belt in what looks a genuine 50-50 contest
Having overcome the setback of a couple of losses early in his career (down at super flyweight against decent opponents Lee Haskins & Chris Edwards) McDonnell has matured & made huge strides forward over the past two years. The British & Commonwealth titles were won in January 2010 after a split decision victory over Ian Napa, a fight in which McDonnell was the clear underdog against his talented & experienced opponent, but he got the narrow victory after going the full 12 rounds for only the second time. The victory led to a European title shot & he was again given little chance as he travelled to France to face Jerome Arnould, but put in a career best performance to halt the Frenchman in the 10th round
A subsequent defense against Stephane Jamoye raised a few question marks as McDonnell laboured to a majority decision victory, but he put in an improved display in defeating Kenyan Nick Otieno in a Commonwealth defense & appears to have the ability to make an impact on the world stage. Whilst not the biggest puncher, he still hits hard enough to get respect, shows a good variety in his work & has good movement around the ring. Crucially, he also appears to be able to raise his standard when faced with a bigger challenge
At 31, Darlington's Hall is the older man by six years, but he only turned pro in 2008, is fresh & unbeaten with 7 stoppages in his 11 victories. Hall was also a beneficiary from McDonnell's European win as the Yorkshireman subsequently vacated his British belt, leaving Hall to face former champion Napa for the vacant title. It seemed a difficult challenge for Hall in what was only his 10th fight & as it unfolded those predictions seemed correct as he struggled to land against his slippery opponent, with Napa appearing on the way to a comfortable win. However, in what was a surprise to everyone, Napa's corner withdrew their fighter at the end of the 8th round. While he had shown no obvious signs of distress, apparently Napa was suffering with a combination of the heat in the building & problems with making the weight.
However, despite the slightly fortunate beginning to his title reign, Hall has grown into his role as champion; two quick defenses took place, with Hall impressing as he stopped a pair of former champions in Martin Power & Gary Davies. Outright ownership of the Lonsdale belt was confirmed with a one sided beating of prospect John Donnelly
It's difficult to predict an outcome with any confidence; I think McDonnell is the more talented boxer & potentially capable of moving further up the ladder, but at the same time Hall has been on an excellent run since becoming champion, is growing with belief & has the confidence of an unbeaten fighter. Both men will be in shape & have good stamina so fitness shouldn't play a part & there are no obvious size advantages, both standing at 5'8, tall for the weight division. There is a feeling that McDonnell has been cornered into taking the fight & views it as a step backwards which could be risky against such a dangerous opponent
Extremely tentatively, I'll go for McDonnell on points; he needs to keep moving, forcing Hall to miss & then counter from range. If he is drawn into trading with Hall then it could be a completely different outcome. It should be a strong start to the new season either way
