Frank Maloney Boxing: McDonnell’s Coming Home

Frank Maloney has promised unsung ring hero Jamie McDonnell a South Yorkshire homecoming after his latest stunning performance.

Doncaster’s McDonnell, 23, caused the biggest boxing upset of the year on Saturday when he travelled to France and stopped Jerome Arnould to capture the vacant European bantamweight crown.

That shock came just two months after McDonnell (14-2-1) upset Ian Napa to capture the vacant British and Commonwealth titles.

Maloney admitted: “I got a call late on Saturday night telling me about the win when I was having a drink with friends. At first I thought I must have been drinking too much.

“I have to be honest and admit that when Jamie beat Napa and was offered the Arnould fight I thought it was a bit too soon to face a world class campaigner.

“Jamie and his team decided to take the chance and it has paid off for him and the least he deserves is a homecoming fight. I certainly don’t mind being proven wrong.

Maloney is looking at staging McDonnell’s next fight at Doncaster Dome, but plans talks with the fast improving fighter’s manager Dennis Hobson.

Promoter Maloney added: “There are a lot of options available and the British Boxing Board of Control have ordered a rematch against Napa. That would be a triple title fight and be a big domestic attraction with all the titles up for grabs.

“If Jamie decides not to go in that direction then he will have to relinquish his British championship. He should have around nine months grace before he has a European mandatory and we are waiting to learn who the official challenger will be. Looking at the latest ratings it could be Malik Bouziane or Napa.

“There are a stack of options for him, but no decision will be made until I have met with Jamie and his team. He will fight close to home though because he has had to travel to London and the French Riviera to win his titles.”