Jason Quigley, centre, with his father/coach Conor and Oscar De La Hoya, President, Golden Boy Promotions.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
JASON Quigley’s first professional fight is to be confirmed in the coming weeks – and Oscar De La Hoya believes the Ballybofey man has a big future ahead of him.
Last week, De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions snapped up the 22-year-old Finn Valley ABC man, who has, as expected, made the move into the professional ranks.
Quigley spent the last few weeks training with other fighters in the Golden Boy stable and was impressed by what he experienced.
With a stateside bout likely for Quigley, who became one of the hottest properties in the amateur boxing game during a whirlwind 2013, De La Hoya, himself a winner of ten world titles across six weight divisions – including the WBO middleweight belt – is excited about the future of his new recruit.
“Jason Quigley is part of the next generation of European boxers who are about to make their mark on the international stage, and we believe he has the skill and determination to go very far in the future,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “It also doesn’t hurt that he has the great nation of Ireland behind him, and I know they will support him wherever he goes.”
Quigley’s accomplishments in the amateur game are unprecedented. He became the first male Irish boxer to compete in a World Championship final in October, taking home silver after defeat to Zhanibek Alimkhanuly in Kazakhstan.
Quigley has won European titles at Youth, Under-23 and senior level and although he was tipped to be a medal contender at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, he has decided to pursue the professional route.
Quigley’s supporters are anxious to learn where and when their man will lace up his gloves for the first bout of his pro career and Golden Boy Promotions said in a statement: “A date, site, and opponent for Quigley’s professional debut will be announced shortly.”
Quigley has also signed a multi-year management contract with Sheer Sports Management, who say they are ‘thrilled’ to acquire his services.
“This is an important signing for Sheer Sports,” said CEO Ken Sheer.
“We are thrilled to add a talent like Jason to our growing stable of future World Champions. The kid has amazing appeal both in and outside of the ring, Jason has proven himself for years throughout Europe and most recently the World, American fans are going to fall in love with him.”
Among those on the books at Golden Boy are Marcos Baidana, Amir Khan, Bernard Hopkins, Peter Quillan and Danny Garcia.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Quigley.
“I can’t wait to have my first pro fight. This is an amazing opportunity and I will give it my all.”
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