THE IMPORTANCE of any strap is not lost on Jason Quigley, but the Ballybofey man’s first title shot is at a belt of some standing.
Quigley (12-0) will meet Glen Tapia (23-3) for the vacant NABF middleweight title on March 23 at Fantasy Springs, Indio, in what will be Quigley’s first headline show.
Danny Jacobs, David Lemieux and Quigley’s fellow Irishman Andy Lee all held this title before going on to become World champions.
“This is a very significant belt,” Quigley told Donegal Sport Hub.
“It will push me up the rankings and get me a step closer.
[adrotate group=”90″]“I’m exactly where I want to be. I’ve worked my way to this level and this stage.
“Now, it’s all about getting the straps around the waist; getting those belts. These belts put your name up there with the best.
“That’s what I want to do. I want to be up there with the best. This is a very exciting fight for me. It’s my first main event fight and Golden’s Boy’s first show on ESPN. This is a great opportunity for me to get out there and show that I mean business.
“I have to travel down the road, avoid the pot holes and get over the hurdles to get to my destination.”
Tapia’s last two fights have ended in fourth round stoppages, defeats to Michael Soro in May 2015 and last May to Lemieux, whom Quigley spent time in camp with before his meeting with Gennady Golovkin.
Quigley said: “There is no satisfaction yet because I am nowhere near where I want to be. Deep down inside me, I don’t stop or take time out to think. I’m on that journey and on that road. I don’t have time to pull in to stop.”
Listen to the full interview below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/jason-quigley-on-first-title-fight-announcement
Tags: