WHEN JASON QUIGLEY heads through the ropes on December 17, he knows he’ll be playing a part of history – but the Ballybofey man wants to write his own chapters.
Quigley will take on Jorge Melendez at The Forum in Inglewood, California for his 12th pro bout, on the undercard to Bernard Hopkins’ 65th and final professional fight.
The 51-year-old, dubbed ‘The Executioner’, has a 55-7-2 record, but will call it a day after his bout with Joe Smith Junior.
Hopkins unified both the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions during his golden period, defending the middleweight belt 20 times between 1994 and 2005.
Hopkins has a share in Golden Boy Promotions and Quigley has already rubbed shoulders.
[adrotate group=”38″]“Just to be on this card is amazing,” said Quigley, unbeaten in 11 pro contests.
“It’s a part of history and that’s so exciting. It’s an inspirational card to be on with Bernard headlining it.
“This is the end of an era for one of the best fighters ever. He’ll go down in history for everything he’s done.
“20 times he defended the middleweight belt – 20 times! I’m coming early on in my career.
“What better inspiration for me to look at and no better man to be following. He defended that belt 20 times and I’m just hoping to one day fill those shoes.”
Quigley missed a planned bout in September because of a sprained wrist. Earlier this year, Quigley stopped Freddy Lopez in the first round and in May overcame James De La Rosa on points after 10 rounds – the first time he was taken the distance as a pro.
Quigley has talked at length to Hopkins and has clearly been inspired.
The Ballybofey man said: “There is no off button with Bernard. He’s just always switched on. It’s all about boxing. It’s about being great, being successful, doing the right thing.
[adrotate group=”53″]“If you’re in a hurry and you pass him, you just don’t stop. You could talk to him all day. Everything he says motivates and inspires you. He just helps you along and he lives boxing.
“Iron sharpens iron. To be mixing with and learning from the best in the world can only help me as a boxer and as a person.
“No other promoter in the world can give this kind of exposure. These boys are legends. That backing or that exposure isn’t available anywhere else.
[adrotate group=”83″]“I have the best team behind me and that gives me unbelievable confidence going into fights and into arenas.
“I want to get those world title belts. Putting me on these cards shows me that they want me to get the publicity and a chance for me to show them what I have.”
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