Scott Quigg says he will produce a devastating performance in his WBA World Super Bantamweight title defence against Kiko Martinez at the Manchester Arena on July 18, live on Sky Sports.
Quigg defends his title against former IBF king Martinez that claimed his first World title in impressive style in August 2013 with a stoppage win over Jhonatan Romero in Atlantic City, before standout stoppage wins in defences over Jeffrey Mathebula and Hozumi Hasagawa.
Bury champion Quigg knows he’s in for the sternest test of his reign against the Spaniard enjoying a renaissance in his career, but the 26 year old has predicted that his fifth defence will be his best yet.
“It’s a fight that we want to go out and make a real statement,” said Quigg. “I’m confident that I can go out there and do a number on him. We’ve been preparing for what we expect Kiko to bring – we aren’t leaving anything to chance.
“Training has been going really well. I’m enjoying camp and the place I’m in at the moment is the best I’ve been in – both physically and mentally.
“Kiko’s experience, knowledge and ability has improved dramatically over the years. He’s become a much more intelligent fighter since winning a World title – Kiko knows how and when to apply educated pressure rather than a fight like a headless chicken.
“I’m expecting him to come out all guns blazing from the off – he will get a massive shock when I return fire. Kiko doesn’t like being backed up and that’s something I’m confident I can do throughout.”
If Quigg produces the dominant performance he is promising the fans, then talk of a clash with Belfast rival Carl Frampton is certain to be revisited. Frampton took the IBF title from Martinez in September and defends it for the second time on the same night in Texas against little-known Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.
The Manchester man has vowed to outdo ‘The Jackal’ against the Spaniard and believes a big win will bring the much-craved fight between the pair.
“Frampton’s team had to make that move to go over to America because he has run out of options over here other than face me,” said Quigg. “I do have renewed confidence that after the July 18 after I’ve dealt with Kiko, we can sit down and get this fight finally done.
“People have criticised the opponents I’ve faced over the years – but no disrespect to the guy Frampton is fighting but we had never heard of him.
“I’m training hard and the support has been fantastic from my fans. I can assure them that on July 18 they will get the performance and statement they deserve. To those that criticise me – I’m looking forward to silencing you.”
Quigg’s clash with Martinez is part of a mouth-watering World title double header as Anthony Crolla challenges Darleys Perez for the WBA World Lightweight title.
There’s a pair of tasty British title fights on the bill as exiting Stourbridge hitter Sam Eggington faces former Prizefighter champion Glenn Foot for the vacant Welterweight title and another Prizefighter winner, unbeaten Welshman Chris Jenkins meets Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse for the vacant Light Welterweight strap.
Heavyweight hero Anthony Joshua MBE fights for the 14th time in the paid ranks and there are spots on the bumper bill for Marcus Morrison, Liam Taylor and Jack Massey.
Tickets are on sale priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 through www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIP’s are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £300
