Exclusive: Oscar De La Hoya expects Jason Quigley to put on a show and win his first pro title on March 23.
By Chris McNulty, Donegal Sport Hub
In two weeks’ time, Quigley goes to war with Glen Tapia and the vacant NABF Middleweight belt is on the line in the searing heat at Fantasy Springs, Indio.
With an unblemished 12-0 record as a pro, Quigley is aiming to take his first steps into title territory when he clashes with ‘Jersey Boy’ Tapia.
The Quigley-Tapia bout is the headline act on the first night of the ‘Golden Boy on ESPN’ series of fight nights to be televised on ESPN 2 in America.
“I have full confidence that he is ready for this top billing and the responsibility that comes with it,” De La Hoya told Donegal Daily.
“Fans want to see a real fight and I know that Jason will not disappoint them.”
Quigley impressed in a first round demolition of Jorge Melendez pre-Christmas at The Forum in Inglewood having scored a decision win over James De la Rosa I May.
Quigley’s rise has been managed carefully so far by Golden Boy and Sheer Sports – but now they’re ready to unleash ‘El Animal’ from the cage.
Golden Boy chief De La Hoya said: “Golden Boy made a deliberate decision to have Jason top our first Golden Boy on ESPN show.
“Jason is one of the best contenders in both the middleweight division and in Golden Boy’s stable. He’ll face solid competition in Glen Tapia.”
Tapia, also promoted by Golden Boy, has lost on his last two visits to the canvas – 4th round stoppage defeats to Michel Soro and David Lemieux – but the 27-year-old is expected to present a stern challenge to Quigley.
De La Hoya snapped Quigley up in 2014 after the Finn Valley man’s breakthrough year and a World silver medal win after winning Irish and European titles.
De La Hoya believes he has a gem on his hands in 25-year-old Quigley: “He’s a good kid, he’s hungry and he works hard.
“What stands out about him is his ability to want to be a great boxer in the ring.
“If you can fight, if you can demonstrate to the fans that you want to put on a great show and fight to the last second then you are the whole package – Jason is the whole package.”
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