Oscar De La Hoya has backed Donegal middleweight Jason Quigley (14-0, 11KOs) in his quest to conquer the 160-pound division.
Next month, Quigley puts his NABF middleweight belt on the line against former World title challenger Freddy Hernandez (34-9, 22KOs) at Fantasy Springs, Indio.
Quigley won the NABF strap in March 2017 when he defeated Glen Tapia. In that bout – also at Fantasy Springs – Quigley sustained a horror hand injury that kept him out of action for a year.
A March win this year over Daniel Rosario brought Quigley back in style again – and on October 18 he faces the rugged and experienced Hernandez.
“Jason Quigley is a rising contender in the middleweight rankings, which has always been a glamour division in boxing,” Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
“He’s had a minor setback to due his injury, but he’s ready to comeback and challenge all contenders and champions at 160 pounds.”
Quigley saw a possible fight against Ryota Murata for the WBA middleweight title shelved recently, but feels his time is getting closer – and De La Hoya clearly believes it too.
Quigley said: “I’m watching big fights now like Canelo-GGG and watching them knowing that I’m just a few fights away myself. It’s exciting to know that.
“I’m excited now to get back to business. There’s been a lot of stuff going on outside the ring for me in the last while, but I’m excited now to get back into the ring again.
“The last fight, after a year out with the hand injury, was a novelty, but this is back to business and back to climbing the ladder again.”
Having had a possible August date put back while in negotiations for the WBA bout, Quigley has been sharpening his tools under his coach Dominic Ingle in Sheffield.
He said: “I’ve been staying very sharp and been preparing well. I’ve been sparring with lads like Liam Smith, who was fighting for a world title. I’ve been training well with Dominic and John Ingle. I’ve got a better understanding now. I’ve grown a lot since my last fight. I’m more confident and settled in camp now.
“My last fight was like an introduction to the Ingle camp. I feel good now. I’m fresh and improving.”
Quigley vs. Hernandez is a 10-round fight for the NABF Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT, and stream live on ESPN3 starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.
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