JASON QUIGLEY likens himself to an apprentice these days – but the Ballybofey man wants to become a master craftsman before too long.
Another big stage, this time the undercard to Bernard Hopkins’ farewell bout, and another potentially-tough opponent, Jorgé Melendez who recorded 28 of his 30 wins by knockout, await the Ballybofey man on Saturday night.
Quigley has fought just twice this year, with wins over Freddy Lopez and James De La Rosa.
A sprained wrist put paid to his hopes of appearing on the Canelo-Smith card in Texas in September.
“I was still training, staying in shape and waiting on the hand to heel,” he says.
“It was strange and it was different. It was a bit of a gift, that happening. I have the experience of going through that injury and lay-off period. Just telling with that mentally was a good experience that will stand to me.
“It’s part of the game. In boxing, some of the hardest parts are outside the ring: dealing with injuries, making weight and training.
“People watch boxing and talk about great fights or whatever, but a lot of people don’t understand what boxers go through – not only inside the ring, but outside of it too.”
Some of Quigley’s best work as a professional boxer has gone unnoticed.
That’s because some of his finer drawings have been etched away from the bright lights and the big crowds.
[adrotate group=”76″]“A lot of people say they’d rather pay to come to see the sparring in the Rock Gym than go to the fight nights,” Quigley says ahead of his 12th professional bout.
He’s been sparring with Terrell Gausha and Brandon Lynch lately, meaning his sparring can feel more taxing than the fights themselves.
Quigley says: “You’re the one that does the training, takes the shots, takes the weight down, watch what you eat, go to bed early, get up early, train, train, train.
“I’ve not mentioned this before or complained about it because this is my job.
“This is what I’m meant to do. I wake up every day to do this. I don’t sit back and pat myself on the back.
“This is what I get paid to do and this, most importantly, is what I love doing.”
Quigley hopes to move his unbeaten record to a dozen on Saturday night when he clashes with Melendez.
Quigley has an end goal in mind – and knows exactly where he wants to be in a year’s time.
[adrotate group=”38″]He says: “Right now, I’m learning my trade. I’m learning my apprenticeship. I’m here working and grinding. I’m doing what I have to do to become the World champion. I have to take it one step at a time and stay focussed.
At the end of 2017, I want the likes of Golovkin, ‘Canelo’ and Daniel Jacobs – they have the belts now.
“A lot can change in a year, but my goal is to have the world champions knowing who I am – and having a fear of me.
“I want them to know I’m on their tails, clipping away at their heels, coming for what they have.”
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