Jason Quigley is ready for what he has called ‘strap season’ – and the Donegal middleweight plans to enjoy it!
Quigley faces off with Glen Tapia on Thursday night at Fantasy Springs with the NABF middleweight title up for grabs in an ESPN-televised bout slated for ten rounds.
If Quigley manages to see off ‘Jersey Boy’ Tapia and preserve his so-far unblemished 12-0 record he’ll capture his first pro title.
“This means everything,” the Finn Valley man says.
“It has that extra meaning because there is a belt on the line and there is a lot more at stake. It’s a bigger incentive to know there’s a belt there. It’s a bigger step up.
“These are the days you want in the career where you’re fighting big fights and headlining shows for belts.
“It’s time to sit back, relax, enjoy the journey and make every moment count”
Quigley’s 2016 was interrupted by a wrist injury, but his last two wins – a decision against James De La Rosa and a demolition of Jorgé Melendez – have helped take the Donegalman to title territory.
He said: “Ask any boxer what it’d be like to win a belt. This is what it’s all about, collecting the belts, lifting the straps and getting as many of them as possible.
“This is why I look to stay busy and active. I had a great performance in my last two, but I don’t want to sit back and admire them.
“They’re done and it’s onto the next one. I have one focus: The guy in front of me. It’s about taking him out of there.”
Quigley has been based in Los Angeles since being snapped up by Golden Boy after a standout year as an amateur in 2013.
Now, he feels it’s time to make a big mark as a pro.
He said: “It’s nearly three years now since I moved out here to pursue this career. I’ve sacrificed a lot and been through a lot. It’s a great time now to climb the ladder and I plan to enjoy every minute of this. I’ll get in there and enjoy every minute.”
Quigley has already recorded four wins at Fantasy Springs, which has become a familiar venue now.
Golden Boy chief Oscar Ðe La Hoya believes Quigley can add Tapia to his Fantasy Springs wins over Tolutomi Agunbiade, Joshua Snyder, Michael Faulk and Freddy Lopez.
“I have full confidence that he is ready for this top billing and the responsibility that comes with it,” De La Hoya said.
“Fans want to see a real fight and I know that Jason will not disappoint them.
“Golden Boy made a deliberate decision to have Jason top our first Golden Boy on ESPN show.
“Jason is one of the best contenders in both the middleweight division and in Golden Boy’s stable.
“I believe Quigley has the potential to go very far. He’s young, obviously can fight, is charismatic.
“The time couldn’t be better – this March 23 debut is perfect for him going against a veteran like Glen Tapia.”
The Quigley-Tapia weigh-in will be streamed on RingTV.com from 9pm tonight.
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