Stoke’s English flyweight champion will contest the inaugural British super-flyweight title against Doncaster’s English bantamweight champion on 30th November at Doncaster Dome. Edwards had originally been contracted to contest both the British and Commonwealth flyweight titles against Dale Robinson.. Robinson, having failed to beat the Potteries based pocket dynamo on two previous occasions, has now retired leaving Edwards without a potential opponent in the sparsely populated flyweight division. Edwards will now step up from 8st to 8st 3lbs, the limit for the recently introduced super-flyweight class.
Edwards last fought in May when he went twelve rounds with Dale Robinson in a British and Commonwealth flyweight title clash which since been nominated as fight of the year. In a closely contested bout honours were declared even and consequently the titles remained vacant.
McDonnell secured the English bantamweight title at Doncaster Dome in February this year when he stopped Wayne Bloy in 3 rounds. He also secured his 8th professional victory from 9 starts last night when he defeated Ukrainian journeyman Nikita Lukin on points at York Hall. Incidentally, it was McDonnell’s first contest on the road, all his previous bouts being fought at Doncaster Dome.
Chris Edwards was ringside last night specifically to watch McDonnell and afterwards said: “That was the second time that I’ve seen Jamie and he didn’t produce any surprises tonight. He’s a good boxer and because he’s tall and rangy he will present me with a few problems but nothing that I won’t be prepared for.”
“I’ve been training for the re-match with Dale and I’m a bit disappointed that I won’t be facing him again but now I have to focus on getting ready to meet Jamie in Doncaster and I will be ready when the time comes.”
“Travelling to Doncaster doesn’t worry me; I’ve fought away from Stoke for most of my career so it’s nothing new for me and besides Impact boxers have gone to Doncaster to win titles against the local man before. Remember, Scott Lawton won his English title there last year by beating Stefy Bull.”
Frank Maloney will promote the event and ticketing arrangements will be announced shortly. The bout will however be televised live by Sky Sports.