Jamie McDonnell has said that he wants the opportunity to become a two-weight world champion against WBA super-bantamweight title holder Guillermo Rigondeaux.
The Yorkshire fighter is currently in possession of the WBA 'regular' bantamweight crown and is in line to compete in a major contest against fellow division title holder Juan Carlos Payano in the United States, but he has announced his desire to step into the ring with Rigondeaux.
Despite a period of inactivity, the Cuban is recognised as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world but McDonnell feels that he could get the better of the two-time Olympic gold medal winner.
The 30-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I want the big names because it gives you more motivation to train. Most people write me off anyway so I like to prove them wrong. There's no better way than jumping in with one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. I wouldn't take the fight for a pay day - I genuinely believe I'm going to beat him.
"If you look at what I've won and you look at some of the other world champions, they've not won half of what I've won but they're more recognised. There's not a lot you can do about that but like I said, I'll fight anyone. I'm out there to prove everyone wrong.
"There's not much more I can do than keep getting in there and keep winning but if the Rigondeaux fight comes off, I'll get the recognition then. I'm a massive underdog but that's what I like. I like to get in there and prove people wrong and that's the fight I want."
McDonnell has made four successful defences of his world title since claiming the belt against Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat at Wembley Stadium in May 2014.
Darren Plant
