John O’Donnell: I’m Better Than Ever

John O’Donnell believes winning his last five fights have set him up perfectly for his British Welterweight Title Eliminator against Young Mutley at the Trent FM Arena Nottingham on Saturday, 6th December.

The London Irish boxer has halted four of his last five opponents since suffering his only career defeat when he was pulled out by his trainer Rob McCracken against Mexican Christian Solano in May 2007.

After having surgery on an ear problem that bothered him during that defeat, silky southpaw O’Donnell feels he has since improved his defence and is a stronger fighter.

O’Donnell has been preparing for his fight at a training camp at the Breaffy House Resort Hotel in Castlebar, Ireland, alongside unbeaten Carl Froch (Nottingham), who headlines the Hennessy Sports show when he challenges Jean Pascal (Canada) for the Vacant WBC Super-Middleweight Title. ITV1 will broadcast the fight live.

“I’ve had five fights since losing in America and I’ve got my confidence back, definitely,” said O’Donnell, who won the English Title last year with a points win over Stuart Elwell.

“A few things weren’t right in America, but I’ve learned from it. We decided it was best to keep me busy and after a few fights I began to feel better and stronger than I had been before the America fight.

“I had an ear problem for the America fight, which I didn’t know anything about until I got back. But my head wasn’t on the fight either. I let the occasion get to me and get on top of me.

“This is a bigger night for me, but that won’t happen again. I’m more confident now and I’ve just spent over a month away from home training in Ireland which has helped keep my mind on the job. That wasn’t the case in America where being away from home did me.

“My defence was all over the place until after I fought in America. I got caught with a few good shots against Christian Solano but before that I had got away with it.

“When we got back I listened to everything my trainer Rob McCracken had to say and it’s paid off – my defence is a lot better now.

“Mutley has been up and down a bit in recent years. He had a good win against Jennings but I think he’s there for the taking for me.

“He is obviously far stronger at welterweight where he won his British Title”

Tickets are available from the 24 hour Box Office at the Trent FM Arena on 08444 124 624 or via www.trentfmarenanottingham.com