Last week we caught up with Ballybofey middleweight Jason Quigley ahead of the greatest test of his young boxing career, where he discussed his upcoming Vegas debut, life in the USA and, well, biscuits.
The former World silver medallist and European champion has long been fancied by pundits Stateside for a step up in class, having passed the first level of his fledgling journey in the paid ranks with flying colours. Now 10-0 (9KOs) as a professional, the 24-year-old will wield the tricolour in the fight capital of the world.
Quigley throws down with the dangerous and Mexican, James De La Rosa, on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez's middleweight title clash with Amir Khan at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena this Saturday night. De La Rosa was recently scheduled as an opponent for former champion David Lemiueux only for the bout to fall through, and will provide a stellar test as to the legitimacy of the Donegal man's world title aspirations.
Speaking at Golden Boy's press conference earlier this evening, however, Quigley conspicuously struck as a man possessed as he took control of the room, issuing a stark but rather compelling warning to his more experienced opponent.
.@jay_quigley speaks at the undercard press conference #CaneloKhan #freeview #RingTVLivehttps://t.co/K98KQUFyxI
— GoldenBoyPromotions (@GoldenBoyBoxing) May 5, 2016
It's exactly the type of promotional performance which some believe might one day see Quigley transcend Irish boxing, but more pertinently, it's the kind of stage presence which Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions believe will lead to his becoming a massive star Stateside.
If Quigley can back up his rousing media performance with his fists against the 23-3 De La Rosa, it'll probably be a good time for casual Irish sports fans to hop on the bandwagon. Should he win, the next couple of years promise to be one hell of a journey.
Read more about the undefeated Irishman who was christened 'El Animal' by Californian boxing fans here.
