Boxing betting tips: McDonnell v Vargas preview


Our tipster Simon Crawford previews Saturday night's world-title fight between Gavin McDonnell and Rey Vargas.

Recommended bet: McDonnell v Vargas


2.5pts Gavin McDonnell to beat Rey Vargas at 2/1 - holds height & reach advantage, while home advantage could be key - as Vargas openly admits

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Doncaster's Gavin McDonnell bids for his first world title and a place in British boxing history when he takes on Mexican Rey Vargas in Hull on Saturday evening.

Victory for the 30-year-old as he battles for the vacant WBC world super-bantamweight title would see him join twin brother and reigning WBA bantamweight king Jamie as a world champion - making them the first British twins to achieve such a remarkable feat.

But it will not be easy against 26-year-old Vargas who boasts a record of 28-0 with 22 knockouts, He has wins over former two-time world champion Alexander Munoz, former world-title challengers Cecilio Santos, Juanito Rubillar, as well as well as contenders Luis Lugo, Marcos Cardenas, Eduardo Mancito and Alexis Kabore.

Yet Vargas is wary having to come to England to watch his friend Julio Ceja be beaten on points by Jamie McDonnell in Doncaster for the vacant IBF world bantamweight title back in 2013.

"It is a risk going to England, but I'm not scared," said Vargas, who has only previously fought outside Mexico twice. "I know that I'll get booed when I go into the ring but I know when I win and step out of the ring they will applaud me.

"I am going to win this fight, even being in his backyard. He has that home advantage but I will win. I know the judges could be an issue. In fact, a gym-mate of mine, Julio Ceja, fought his brother and won, but they robbed him. The idea is to go for the knockout otherwise they could rob you."

McDonnell (16-0-2, 4KOs) has made steady progress since his professional debut in 2010, winning the central area, British, European and WBO intercontinental titles but this is undoubtedly a huge step up in class and he finds himself as the underdog going into the fight of his life.

"I have to pinch myself that it's finally here," said McDonnell. "All the hard work I've put in over the years, it feels like it's meant to be this moment.

"I'm ready to become world champion. Two twin brothers on the scene, both world champions standing side by side - the Klitschko brothers of Doncaster!

"I like being written off, I love proving people wrong and this will be no different. Vargas' record says that he's big puncher but we won't know how good he is until we get in there. How much does he want it? Not more than me. He will have to knock me out cold to win it as he can't beat me."

So just how much of an underdog is McDonnell?

Well, I certainly do think he has several crucial factors in his favour.

He has advantages in both height and reach which is important as I feel he will need to keep much of the fight at range and look to dominate with his jab to nullify the power of Vargas.

McDonnell has a superb engine and has been the full 12 rounds six times in his career, while the Mexican has done it just once and I see this as a fight that will go to the wire despite Vargas' big-punching reputation.

But boxing at home is the biggest thing in is favour.

It must have been a boost for the McDonnell camp that Vargas spoke so early in the build-up about having to travel to the UK and about his fear of not getting a decision.

That definitely could add to the pressure and if he feels he is behind on the cards then he may feel compelled to having to take a risk or two to turn it round which could play into the Yorkshireman's hands.

There will be a partisan crowd in Hull on Saturday evening and they can certainly play a part in what could be a momentous night in British boxing history.

Vargas is an odds-on favourite across the board and with an unbeaten record and more experience you can see why that is.

But with McDonnell 2/1 in places I feel he is worth siding with on home turf.

Posted at 1250 GMT on 23/02/17.

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