20.10.05 – Highly acclaimed amateur John O’Donnell, who has recently moved up to welterweight – will fight at the home of British Boxing for the first time as a professional this Friday, (October 21st). The 19-year-old junior Olympic gold medallist appears in a six rounder on the undercard of Junior’s Witter triple title defence against Colin Lynes at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.
“I have been waiting to box at the York Hall ever since I turned professional,” said O’Donnell who – as a member of the Hennessy Sports team – boxes alongside several other talents with amateur pedigree, including Carl Froch and Darren Barker.
“I boxed there several times as an amateur and really enjoyed it. It always had a great atmosphere, so I cant wait to go back. I also like the place because I have never lost there.”
If his preparation is anything to go by, the winning run seems set to continue.
“Training has gone sound,” added O’Donnell, who has won six professional fights. “I feel excellent. I have got some good sparring in against some decent lads and feel as good as I have ever done.”
As such, he believes the generally knowledgeable fight fans at the York Hall will see an ever better performance than when he beat the usually durable Ben Hudson in three rounds in Nottingham in July.
“That wasn’t a bad win, but I am lot better than that,” the Shepherds Bush fighter continued. “I was a bit lazy; I took my time a bit too much and didn’t throw enough shots.
“I was pleased though with the way that I picked it up and earned the stoppage. Even though the official reason was a cut, I know I would have taken him out the next round anyway.
“He couldn’t handle it when I started to fight a proper pace towards the end. I am going to start fighting like that from the off now.”