Gavin McDonnell has vowed to return to where he belongs in boxing as he prepares to face Andoni Gago for the European featherweight title on Friday.

McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) challenges Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs) for his belt on a Matchroom Boxing event in Barcelona this week, live on DAZN.

A victory would see McDonnell become a two-weight European champion, and the former world title challenger is confident he can take his chance.

McDonnell told Matchroom Boxing: “This has been two years in the making. We always knew we had this fight, now we have the date and I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve always been in training and it’s just a case of soon being back under the lights. I’ve been there, done it and seen it all, and when I get back in the ring it will come second nature to me and I’ll get my second European title.

“I was having the big fights and was around it all, and when it’s taken away from you then you do miss it. I’m glad to now be back and this is a big title that will propel me back to where I belong.

“I’ve been really enjoying my boxing this time around. At first you maybe take it in your stride and a bit for granted, but now I’ve got this opportunity, so I’ll take it and I’ll soon be back to where I want to be.”