Hatton Boxing: Watson Relishes Revenge Against O’Donnell

Craig Watson believes sparring with two of British boxing’s leading prospects will earn him sweet revenge over John O’Donnell.

The Hatton Promotions star heads the bill at Wembley Arena on Saturday February 19 when he challenges O’Donnell for the vacant British welterweight title.

Watson, 27, is still simmering with rage over a controversial split decision defeat against the Londoner back in April 2009.

To make sure he is the shape of his life, Craig has been sparring with undefeated fighters Jamie Cox and Frankie Gavin ahead of the all southpaw clash.

Commonwealth light-middleweight champion Watson said: “O’Donnell is like a pencil compared to Jamie who is such a strong man.

“Jamie can really whack and if I can push him back what chance has O’Donnell got? I really want to put it on him.

“The sparring with Jamie has been fantastic and we have really gone for it. We have earned each other’s respect.”

Watson believes Gavin’s boxing skills are a level above O’Donnell’s and added: “You won’t see a more skilful boxer in Britain than Frankie.

“If I can somehow work Frankie out in the gym then I will be more than comfortable against O’Donnell.”

By the time fight night comes, Watson will have sparred more than 100 rounds at Joe Pennington’s Clayton gym.

He says: “I think I won the first fight against O’Donnell, but I could have done a lot more in my preparations, but this time I have left nothing to chance.

“When I have won this fight I would love to move up to European title level, but a lot will depend on whether Matthew Hatton vacates.

“Another friend Denton Vassell holds the Commonwealth title, but he is a really close friend and we go back a long way so I don’t really want to face him.”