Today at 3 p.m. EDT from the Doncaster Dome, European and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell looks to regain the British title for his collection against Stuart Hall.

McDonnell (17-2-1, 7 KO) started a great run in January 2010 when he topped Ian Napa. But Hall (11-0-1, 7 KO) is just about even with McDonnell with the bookies, and is a having a fine recent fight stretch, too.

From Dave Oakes' preview:

The only differences come stylistically and in terms of punch power, McDonnell relies on his skills, preferring to box at distance rather than trade, whereas Hall is more aggressive, albeit in a controlled manner – he certainly isn’t a brawler, he’s very strong physically and likes to push his opponents backwards.

Hall is the puncher in the fight, McDonnell’s sitting down on his punches more now than he was earlier in his career but isn’t a knockout artist. Hall lands heavy, energy sapping shots rather than one blow knockouts, the kind of shots that hurt just as much the following day.

This is a proper 50-50 fight and a great way to kick off the new season. I’m picking Hall’s strength and desire to overcome McDonnell’s skills; it’s going to be a close and exciting fight though.

Andrew Fruman will be handling round-by-round duties today.