Quigg defends British super bantamweight title this Saturday against Arthur

SCOTT QUIGG is being lined up for a world title eliminator if he successfully defends his British super-bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur this weekend.

The unbeaten Bury fighter is ranked third in the latest International Boxing Federation (IBF) and WBA ratings, far higher than any of his domestic rivals.

Hatton Promotions Director of Boxing Richard Poxon is in talks with various global contacts for a bout that could see Quigg become a mandatory challenger for a world title.

Quigg, 23, insists the chances of mixing it with some of the 122lb division’s best will help him focus even more on his 12 round clash against Arthur at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Saturday (Feb 4).

He said: “There is no danger of taking my eyes away from Arthur. If I cannot beat him it will be a struggle to reach the level I believe I can.

“Whoever has been in with Jamie knows they have been in a fight. There is no quit in him.

“I watched his fight against Martin Lindsay and after two rounds it looked like he wouldn’t get to halfway, yet he was still in there fighting back for the full 12 rounds.

“I am very confident that I have got the tools to best him, but he has experience at championship level.

“I know how hungry I was to win the British title when the Jason Booth chance came and I am sure Jamie will have stepped up another gear in training.

“I have been in that position and I think it is harder keeping titles than winning them.”

Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux currently holds the WBA crown while South African Takalani Ndlovu is wearing the IBF strap.

Hatton Promotions head Ricky Hatton added: “There is no shortage of options for Scott at the highest level, but first he has a tough assignment this weekend.”

Also in action on Saturday’s card is former Commonwealth and European super-bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe who boxes Argentinian Jose Saez in a non-title eight rounder.

The bill will also include Stephen Foster Jr v Yauheni Kruhlik, Joe Murray v Selected Opponent Matty Askin v Attila Palko, Craig Lyon v Yuri Voronin, Jazza Dickens v Barrington Brown, Feargal McCrory v Sid Razak and Tasif Khan v Delroy Spencer.

Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com

Efrain Esquivias added to “NEW BLOOD” on Feb. 24 at Doubletree-Ontario to make it a stellar night of boxing!

January 31 (Orange, CA) – Southern California’s Inland Empire’s heated boxing beat just got a little hotter. Undefeated Efrain Esquivias (15-0, 9 KOs) has been added to the power packed Thompson Boxing Promotions February 24 edition of “New Blood”.

The blockbuster card features Artemio “King” Reyes (14-1, 11 KOs) vs. Victor Hugo Correa (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round main event welterweight war for the WBC Latino title. The card also co-features East L.A.’s Aron “Asesino” Martinez (15-1-1, 3 KOs) against Escondido’s Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson (13-4-3, 4 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Esquivias, the reigning NABF super bantamweight champion, who hails out of Carson, California, faced off against and won a blood-induced battle last November against dangerous mexican southpaw, Fernando Beltran Jr. (35-7- 1) and became the newly crowned NABF Super Bantamweight champion.

In the same pugilist spirit, Esquivias will once again step into the ring and put his unblemished record on the line when he faces a yet to be determined opponent.

Tickets for “NEW BLOOD” are priced at $75, $45, and $30. They are available now and may be purchased by calling 714-935-0900.

Bouts subject to change. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the first bell rings at 7:30 pm. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 North Vineyard Avenue in Ontario. The hotel phone number is 909-937-0900.

JOHN RYDER SIGNS WITH LONSDALE

Hotly tipped Middleweight joins boxing brand after extending unbeaten record

John Ryder has signed a sponsorship deal with Lonsdale as he continues to take the British Middleweight scene by storm.

The deal will see the unbeaten Islington man wearing the apparel of the boxing clothing giant as well as donning their gloves in future contests.

The 23 year-old continued his impressive start to his professional career with a second round stoppage of Mariusz Biskupski at York Hall on Saturday night (January 28) taking his record to 9-0 with six wins inside the distance.

Ryder’s first outing in his new gear will be on the undercard of the Kell Brook’s Welterweight showdown with Matthew Hatton at the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on March 17, live on Sky Sports.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Ryder. “I have always enjoyed wearing their gear in the gym and to be able to sign with such a great boxing brand is a dream for me. I hope I can keep my record going and as always will be taking it one fight at the time.”

“John Ryder is without doubt one of Britain’s most exciting young prospects and I’m pleased that Lonsdale have seen our vision and signed him to their team,” said Ryder’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s important for any young fighter to feel and look the part and I know John is delighted to be associated with the brand.”

“I’m delighted to welcome John to the Lonsdale team,” said Sunny Singh, Lonsdale’s Head of Sports Marketing. “He has shown tremendous potential in the early part of his career and we look forward to growing with him and working alongside Matchroom Sport to help fulfil his potential and become a champion.”