Doncaster bantamweight Jamie McDonnell has said that he will happily train over Christmas if it means having a world title shot early next year.
The 26-year-old will have just his second fight of the year this evening, when he takes on Darwin Zamora in an IBF title eliminator.
McDonnell is usually training over the holiday period and although he would like a break, he will not mind should he get a title fight.
"I've been out of the ring for the last six or seven months," he told Sky Sports News. "It's better to stay active.
"I want to be back out after Christmas, perhaps in March. I haven't had a Christmas for two years - I've been lumbered with January dates [for fights] - but I don't mind training if it's for a world title fight.
"As long as I can stay active and keep doing what I'm doing, I'm happy."
McDonnell was originally due to face Vusi Malinga, but the South African had to pull out.
If the Englishman can come out on top against Zamora, he will be looking for a fight with world champion Leo Santa Cruz.
Daniel Cross
