McDonnell Steps Up To World Level Against Malinga

Jamie McDonnell will face Vusi Malinga in an IBF bantamweight World title final eliminator on the undercard of Kell Brook’s clash with Hector Saldivia on the ‘This Is It’ bill at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on October 20, live on Sky Sports.

The British, Commonwealth and European champion faces the two-time World title challenger from South Africa on a huge night of action in Yorkshire, with the Doncaster man gunning to land a shot at the title this year, which is contested on September 15 in Las Vegas between champion Leo Santa Cruz, who beat Malinga for the vacant belt in June, and challenger Eric Morel.

McDonnell is undefeated in his last 11 contests and says he is ready to test himself at World level on October 20.

“It's the next progressive step in my career having cleaned up domestically and in Europe,” said McDonnell. “It's a big step but one I will take and go on to become World champion. I’m excited that my manager Dennis Hobson has teamed up with Eddie and I look forward to being part of a massive night of World class boxing on Sky Sports.”

“I am delighted to add another final eliminator to what promises to be another great night at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “I’ve long been an admirer of Jamie’s, I think he has the ability, popularity and image to go a long way in the game, and we look forward to working with Dennis Hobson and Jamie to help him get there.”

Tickets for ‘This Is It’ headlined by Kell Brook vs. Hector Saldivia and featuring McDonnell’s final eliminator against Malinga are on sale now priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 from the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield box office at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk and 0114 256 5656.

VIP packages priced £150 are exclusively available from Matchroom Sport at www.matchroomboxing.com
and 01277 359900.