By Francisco Salazar
Middleweight Jason Quigley has it all and he might now know it.
He is a talented boxer, charismatic out of the ring, and has the backing of one boxing's major promoters.
Not to mention he is becoming well-known amongst boxing fans here in the United States on top of having a major following in his native Ireland.
Quigley faces his toughest test on paper tonight when he squares off against hard-hitting Jorge Melendez at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
The Quigley-Melendez fight will air live on RingTVLive.com around 8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT.
Quigley (11-0, 9 KOs) has not fought since winning a one-sided decision over fringe contender James De La Rosa on May 7 in Las Vegas.
The 25-year-old Quigley has developed into a solid boxer-puncher as a prospect who could become a fighter to watch in 2017.
Tonight, he faces a stern challenge in Melendez, who faced solid prospects and contenders over the last three years. He has lost four of his last six bouts.
Melendez should provide a test to Quigley, as the Irish fighter has mostly decimated his opposition since turning pro in July of 2014.
Quigley, who is trained by Manny Robles in Carson, Calif., has demonstrated he is not just a fighter who can only punch. He has won two of his last three bouts by decision, but he has demonstrated an improved skill-set in the ring, one where he utilizes his jab more consistently and attacks the body.
Golden Boy Promotions, along with publicist Rachel Charles, have done an excellent job marketing him to boxing fans in Southern California and Las Vegas.
He takes part in media gatherings with other sports teams, including the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team and the Dallas Cowboys, when they train in Oxnard.
But Quigley has backed up every challenge thus far and could be on the cusp of becoming an elite fighter in the middleweight division.
Quigley has someone to look up to as well as Bernard Hopkins, who is fighting Joe Smith tonight in the main event in Inglewood, made 20 successful defenses of his IBF title as a middleweight.
Hopkins owns a share of Golden Boy Promotions and dishes out advice and mentorship to Golden Boy Promotions prospects and unbeaten fighters.
All indications thus far point to a successful career. His improved boxing ability and fan-friendly aggressive style have played well and looks like it will continue to do so.
Quigley should come out victorious tonight, which will make 2017 an intriguing year for the fighter from Donegal, Ireland. Do not be surprised if he eventually headlines televised fight cards at the nearby Belasco Theatre or at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, both of which are venues Golden Boy uses in heavy rotation.
Quigley is definitely one to watch.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
