JOSH Taylor isn't the only Scottish fighter facing a steep step up in class at the SSE Hydro on the night of June 23.
Up until now, Lee McGregor has fought just three times, never getting beyond the second round in any of his contests. But if everything goes well on the night he will be able to call himself a world champion of sorts, having claimed the IBF World Youth title in a fight which could go as long as 10 rounds. The only problem comes in the form of a Tanzanian fighter called Goodluck Mrema, who has managed to cram 24 fights into his 23 years, winning 22, with 12 of them by way of knockout. McGregor hopes hard work and talent means luck doesn’t come into it.
"It’s a big step up,” says McGregor. “But it shows the belief my team have in me. We know what I can do and people are going to see the best of me. I’m really looking forward to it.”
McGregor – a pal of Jason Cummings from the Saughton estate in Edinburgh – is still only 21 but responsibilities are coming fast. He will become a father for the first time near the end of the year, and wants to provide for his young family. He is well positioned to follow Taylor on the fast-track to money-spinning purses on world title shows.
"The baby is due in November,” says McGregor. “We thought 2018 was going to be my year but we lost my grandad right at the beginning. But things are looking up - now I’ve got a focus.
“I want to provide for my girlfriend and our son or daughter. It’s down to me now to bring all the happiness I can to my family. I really can’t wait to be a dad and hopefully I’ll have a couple of belts to show the baby at the end of the year.
"I’m only 21 so I’ve got a lot ahead of me. This is a massive fight for me and it’s not Mickey Mouse. What a belt this would be to win. I’m then looking to have the British title by the end of the year.”
McGregor – who gave up the chance to compete for medals on the Gold Coast to turn professional with Cyclone Promotions – has cut such a swathe through his early fights that he has hardly had to take a shot in anger. The 21-year-old knows that will likely change in the course of this contest but feels adversity can bring the best out of him.
"Let’s be honest you are going to see me get hit in this fight,” says McGregor. “But when I have to dig deep that’s when I really come out on top. I’ve been in camp seven weeks now so by the time the fight comes around I’ll have had 12 weeks behind me. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip.
"I won’t know how I’ll feel until I’m in the changing room before I walk out there. I’ll take it all in, I’ve been in the amateurs long enough and have fought all over the world. It won’t faze me.”
While the two principals hail from the other side of the M8, Taylor-Postol and McGregor-Mrema are quality fights with enough jeopardy to pull in the crowds. Forget about unifying the belts, from the days of Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt, unifying the fight fans from East and West hasn't always been easy either.
"The Scottish crowd need to get right behind both myself and Josh,” said McGregor. “We’re both in the biggest fights of our careers so if that’s not enough to get people behind us then what else will?
"Josh is on the verge of bringing the biggest nights Scottish boxing has ever seen - he really is that good. I know Ricky [Burns] has had real big nights but Josh is the real deal who will be involved in unification fights. It’s a bonus for me as the more Josh progresses the more I will. It’s a win-win for me.
"We’re with each other every minute of the day. We’ve become really close and he’s a real good mate. We share a room because we’re in a hotel now. He’s great to have around as he’s always there to give out advice so he’s a great guy to look up to. What better fighter to build your career off than Josh so I’m really grateful.”
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