Manchester man gets hometown World title challenge
Hometown hero Scott Quigg will challenge Yoandris Salinas for the WBA World super bantamweight title at Manchester’s Phones 4u Arena on September 28, in a bout acting as chief support to David Haye’s blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury.
The unbeaten Bury fighter claimed his 26th win and 19th inside the distance with a clinical third-round stoppage of William Prado in Bolton in June, and now faces the Cuban known as ‘El Nino’ on a huge night of boxing in Manchester.
“It’s a dream come true that my first World title fight will be in Manchester,” said Quigg. “It’ll be a massive boost to have my fans there and, with Haye and Fury fighting too, it’s a huge night to be involved in and a great stage to land a World title. I’ve worked so hard to get here and I’m going to grab this title with both hands.”
Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn added: “It’s fantastic for Scott to be challenging for his first World title on this bill – they’re both young unbeaten fighters desperate to take this golden chance. It’s a great fight on what promises to be a huge night for British boxing.”
Also included on the stacked September 28 card will be an intriguing international middleweight contest between Irish southpaw Andy Lee and Italian tough nut Domenico Spada.
The 29-year-old Lee, ranked at number eight by the WBC, is a former World title challenger, and has won two fights so far this year, outpointing Anthony Fitzgerald in February and then blowing away Darryl Cunningham in one round three months later.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Spada, ranked at three by the WBC, has boxed for both the European and WBC interim middleweight titles.
World-ranked and in pursuit of another title shot, Lee and Spada meet in Manchester with plenty at stake.
“This is a great next step for me in my career,” said Lee. “Spada has been around the world scene for years now and has never before been stopped. He’s a renowned tough guy with a solid chin and a great work ethic. Therefore, it is my aim to go out there, put on a show and become the first man to stop him.”
*** A few remaining tickets for Haye vs. Fury can be purchased by calling 0844 847 800 or by visiting eventim.co.uk ***
