Featherweights Jordan Gill and Reece Bellotti are both former Commonwealth champions who have suffered setbacks in recent outings, and will look to bounce back in what both men see as a must-win fight on an upcoming Matchroom Fight Camp card.
Gill (24-1, 7 KO) won the Commonwealth belt in 2018, beating Ryan Doyle, but didn’t defend it. Instead, he was looking to chase world honors, before a major upset loss to Enrique Tinoco in Nottingham in May 2019.
Now 25, Gill still has high hopes, and sees a fight with Bellotti (14-3, 12 KO) as a chance to get moving back in the right direction.
“The main reason I took this fight is because if I win, it will catapult me back to where I want to be,” said Gill. “It’s a must-win for both of us. I’m not just going in there to do the business but to look good doing it as well. These shows behind closed doors are a new challenge. People around the world will be watching so we need to make the most of this opportunity.”
Bellotti, 29, took the Commonwealth title from Jason Cunningham in Oct. 2017, and made a successful defense against Ben Jones before losing the belt to Ryan Doyle in June 2018. He later challenged Ryan Walsh for the British title in Dec. 2018, losing a split decision, and last time out in Italy dropped a split decision to Francesco Grandelli.
“Me and Jordan have both had recent setbacks, we need to get back in the mix and to do that you have to win fights like this,” said Bellotti. “I won’t need to get pumped up for this fight, it’s a must-win and Jordan is a good fighter. I have to be on my game and you will see a different side of me in this one.”
Gill-Bellotti certainly isn’t some mega marquee fight, but it looks on paper like a well-matched bout, and right now that’s about all we can ask of these cards.
Matchroom’s Fight Camp hasn’t been officially announced yet, but is expected to take place July 25, with Chris Jenkins defending the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Conor Benn.