BOXING: Scott Quigg is being lined up for a European super-bantamweight title shot next year — and it could be at Bolton Arena.
The 21-year-old Bury star became the mandatory challenger for the belt after a stunning display at Wigan Robin Park Arena on Friday.
Quigg stopped Yuri Voronin in the sixth round of his biggest bout to date with a powerful performance that stretched his unblemished record to 16 victories — 10 of them by knockout.
It was an impressive showing by the local lad, and his manager Gareth Williams, of Hatton Promotions, is eyeing up a prize fight in the new year.
“This win should see him as mandatory challenger for the European title now,” said Greenmount-based Williams. “I have tried for three months to get him an English title shot and I was bitterly disappointed we were not able to.
“We have our contacts with the EBU (European Boxing Union) and we purposely picked this fight.
“Voronin was ranked number five in Europe and is seen as something of a gatekeeper, and Scott has blitzed him, so he is knocking on the door now.
“Rendall Munroe is the champion and we will have to see what he wants to do, but I would be confident in Scott’s ability after watching how he fought against Voronin.
“We will have a look at it before we make any match because it’s important we get him the right fight at the right time. We won’t make any decisions before speaking with his trainer Brian Hughes but, by the end of 2010, he will be a champion of some sorts.”
Quigg has massive local support and, with his home town of Bury currently sporting a ban on professional boxing, he could be turning out at the Bolton Arena.
“I have good contacts with the Bolton Arena and Scott is at the level now where he has a good fanbase and if we put him together with a couple of other fighters we could have sold out his last venue twice over.
“It’s great for business and it generates a fantastic atmosphere.”
Quigg was delighted with his latest performance, which earned him rave reviews from the watching former world champion Ricky Hatton, but he is not getting carried away just yet and suggested he may take another couple of fights for experience before taking a shot at somebody as established as 29-year-old Munroe.
“It was a good performance,” he said.
“I always wondered if I could take my power up to the next level. I knew I could hit hard, and I put Voronin down two or three times before I stopped him, so it shows I am carrying the power.
“But I am only 21 and I have a lot to learn. My latest fight is in the past now and it means nothing.
“Everything is down to my trainer Brian. If he wants me to take the European title shot, he is the main man and whatever he says I have 100 per cent confidence and trust in him.
“Whether he wants me to take the big fight or take a couple more to get experience is up to him.”
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