As he gears up for his UK debut on Saturday night, Jason Quigley already has his eye on big belts.
By Chris McNulty at Glaziers Hall, London
Quigley (15-0, 11KOs), the NABF champion, will take on Mathias Eklund (10-1-2, 4KOs) at the Copper Box Arena as he takes his first steps on professional canvas at this side of the Atlantic.
All of Quigley’s pro fights to date have been in America, but the Sheffield-based middleweight is excited ahead of this weekend’s bout.
Charlie Edwards defends his WBC Flyweight World title against Angel Moreno and Quigley is one of the support cast.
“I’m delighted that Sheer Sports, Golden Boy and Matchroom have all worked together to have me on this card,” he said.
“Four years ago, I met Eddie (Hearn, Matchroom Boxing President) in Carson when I fought under Kell Brook’s world title fight against Shawn Porter. He said to me: ‘I’ll have to get you to the UK’. Four years later, I’m here!
“I’m excited now. Training has been great, camp has been great and I’m feeling great.”
Quigley defended his NABF strap against Freddy Hernandez in October after a comeback win over Daniel Rosario last March.
The Golden Boy Promotions contender is neatly poised to get a call at any point now.
As Edwards’ WBC flyweight belt sat behind him at a press conference on the banks of the Thames this afternoon, Quigley could allow his mind wander a little.
He said: “I’m ranked fifth in the WBC. That green belt that Charlie has over there, I’ve got my eyes on that – not Charlie’s, but the WBC middleweight one!
“It’s exciting times for me. All those lads are up there, they’re looking at each other but I’m on their heels, I’m looking at them right now and chasing them down.”
Saturday’s card also sees Sean McGoldrick (7-0, 2KOs) return to action. The Welsh bantam, whose father, Liam, is from Ballyshannon, faces Sean Cairns.
McGoldrick is working under a new trainer in Jamie Moore and said: “Training is going really well. I’ve been there for eight or nine weeks and I’m really looking forward to Saturday night. Hopefully in the next couple of months or couple of years, I can push on.”
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