Monday 21 December 2015 15:38, UK
Gavin McDonnell has vacated the European super-bantamweight title as he begins the hunt for a world title in 2016.
The 29-year-old (14-0-2-KO4) is the twin of current world bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell and is hoping to follow his brother to the top under the guidance of trainer Dave Coldwell.
McDonnell, who is from Doncaster, impressed in defending the European crown in his last fight back in October - comfortably outpointing Jeremy Parodi at the Sheffield Arena.
Coldwell is enthusiastic over his fighter's future and told Sky Sports: "We're looking at pushing him on towards a world title now.
"He wants to do what his brother's done, basically. That would be fantastic to have two twin brothers winning world titles. Everything is geared to that for 2016.
The fight with WBC champion Julio Ceja is one we'd be confident in. It's the next step to see where he's at the world level.
"Let's see what doors [promoter] Eddie [Hearn] can open and how Gavin progresses. The fight with WBC champion Julio Ceja is one we'd be confident in. It's the next step to see where he's at the world level, so let's get him in against a ranked fighter and see how he gets on.
"It might be one more fight or it might be a couple more fights before we get to that world title shot."
The super-bantamweight scene is currently dominated by Brits with both Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton holding world titles ahead of their clash on February 27.
