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Jason Quigley ready to take on top American Rob Brant


Jason Quigley [15(11)-0] is confident that he could take out top middleweight Rob Brant if the chance arose.

The American, who is ranked #7 in the world by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, stole in ahead of Quigley for a big fight in Las Vegas back in October.

The 27-year-old Donegal man had been extremely close to a fight with Japanese star Ryota Murata at the Mandalay Bay Casino on October 20th.

The deal had essentially been done, but the WBA threw a spanner in the works when they demanded that Murata, who held their lightly-regarded ‘regular’ belt, instead face ‘mandatory challenger’ Brant [24(16)-1(0)].

Brant’s promoter, Greg Cohen, would force the issue and Murata would instead have to take on the relatively unheralded Minnesota boxer ahead of the preferred option of Quigley.

The WBSS super middleweight quarter-finalist would spring a surprise, dominating Murata and claiming a wide unanimous decision win which was rewarded with a Top Rank contract for ‘Bravo’ Brant.

The 28-year-old American is expected to have his first fight of this deal in February and, while London 2012 gold medallist Murata has a rematch clause, it is not expected to be a repeat of the Vegas fight.

Quigley, who resumes camp in the Wincobank Gym in Sheffield soon is open to facing Brant, especially considering their ‘history’.

Responding to a tweet, Quigley noted that “I was ready for Murata so I’m ready for Brant.”

The promotional divide would be no issue for the Golden Boy fighter who was more than willing to face Murata on the Top Rank bill in October.

When the Murata fight fell through, Quigley instead headlined a Golden Boy on ESPN bill at the Fantasy Springs Casino in L.A. where he overcame Mexican veteran Freddy Hernandez in a gruelling ten-round war.

While he would no doubt take the Brant fight if it were offered – although his team at Golden Boy, the Wincobank, and Sheer Sports Management may have other ideas – a major fight next is not the Quigley’s plan

The Ballybofey boxer, who is part of the TG4 punditry team for Ray Moylette’s Mayo ‘Homecoming’ card this Friday, is keen for another ‘one or two’ tough learning fights before progressing to top contenders.

Speaking on Newstalk 106FM’s Off The Ball last month, Quigley outlined that “to become world champion is the ultimate aim.”

“For me now, that last fight that I got was ideal. It wasn’t ideal performance-wise from me, but it was ideal in what I needed in my career – a good, solid ten rounds.”

“These are the type of fights that I want because these are the type of fights I know I need if I’m going to be world champion.”

“These lads are going to put you in positions that you haven’t been in before and are going to get you ready for the top level fighters.”

“I would, ideally, like another one or two tough fights now, early next year, against good, experienced lads and get ready for the World title that’s the aim, that’s the goal.”

“I know I’m well on my keeping everything together, putting all the right pieces together, and getting another Irish world champion.”

Watch Jason Quigley’s brilliant interview on Off The Ball in full below:

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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