John O'Donnell has vowed that he will not become the latest big-name scalp for upset specialist Tom Glover

John O'Donnell has vowed that he will not become the latest big-name scalp for upset specialist Tom Glover when the pair clash at the Watford Colosseum on Saturday, writes Ken Selleck.

Hackney-trained O'Donnell defends his Commonwealth welterweight title on the Hennessy Sports show, which was originally due to have been topped by former Repton star Darren Barker's British title fight with Matthew Macklin.

British champion Macklin pulled out of the fight to pursue European glory, leaving Barker without an opponent and pushing O'Donnell into the headline slot in his first defence of the title he won against Craig Watson last time out.

The 23-year-old, who is trained by Robert McCracken at the Real Fight Club in Shoreditch, is a strong favourite to defeat Glover and retain the title.

But his Essex opponent has shown a knack for overcoming the odds in recent outings and comes into the fight fresh from a career-best win over Jon Thaxton at York Hall in July.

And O'Donnell insists he will not be complacent as he bids for a 22nd win in his 23rd professional contest.

"Tom's on a great run, he's beaten some good fighters in his last few contests and I was impressed with his win over Thaxton last month, but I'm 100 per cent confident I can do a job on him," O'Donnell said.

"He's a tough kid and he'll be looking to drag me into a fight, but I'm just going to have to be disciplined and use my speed and boxing ability.

"Boxing is all about levels and I believe I'm simply on a different level to him, but it's up to me to go into that ring and prove it.

"I know I need to improve on the Watson fight. I wasn't at all happy with my performance and I know there's plenty more to come from me."

Glover gave up his Southern Area title to prepare for his meeting with O'Donnell, allowing Colchester's Lee Purdy to fight Bermondsey's Peter McDonagh for the regional belt in the chief support bout.

Purdy and McDonagh fought for the Southern Area crown at light-welterweight last year in an exciting contest that saw McDonagh earn a points decision after 10 rounds.

Former ABA champion Bradley Evans is also in action in Watford. Evans, from Royston, lifted the 2008 ABA featherweight crown, defeating Hoxton's Joe Taylor Jr in the quarter-finals on his way to the final.