On December 6, in Monte Carlo, two of Britain’s very best technicians will square off in the super-bantamweight division.
In one corner you will find Peter McGrail, a 29-year-old southpaw from Liverpool, while in the other waits Shabaz Masoud, also 29 but orthodox in stance and hailing from Rochdale. Both have world title aspirations and both have the talent to one day make those aspirations a reality.
First, though, they contest the European title next month.
“This is the fight we’ve always wanted,” said McGrail at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. “It’s another stepping stone towards a world title. Once I’m European champion on December 6, hopefully Matchroom [McGrail’s promoter] can deliver. We want the world title shot.”
McGrail, 12-1 (6), has been almost faultless so far as a pro. His one defeat to date was a shocker – against Ja'Rico O'Quinn in 2023 – but since then he has sharpened up and seemingly become an even better fighter. Last time out he outboxed Ionut Baluta, a dangerous brawler from Romania, and McGrail fully expects to do something similar to Masoud, a counterpuncher, on December 6.
“I just believe I’m a better fighter than Shabaz Masoud,” said McGrail. “I’m not taking anything away from him, he’s a really good fighter, and it was a great win against [Liam] Davies, but I’m a completely different fighter and it’s a completely different fight. He has never been in the ring with anyone like me. I don’t think he brings to the table anything I haven’t seen before throughout my career. It’s down to me to show that on December 6.”
Although Masoud’s breakout win against Davies was some 12 months ago, it still sticks in the memory. So good was Masoud that night, Davies, the favourite, had no answer and found himself punished every time he either got desperate or made a mistake.
Had it not been for injuries this year, Masoud, 12-0 (4 KOs), would have no doubt capitalised on that Davies decision win and taken his career to even greater heights.
As it is, he must make up for lost time against McGrail.
“He's a very good fighter and the level I’m at now, I want these kinds of fights,” said Masoud. “I feel like the better the opposition, the better I perform as well. Take nothing away from Peter, I believe the best Peter is going to come, but I’ll always believe the best Shabaz is going to beat the best Peter.
“We’re so close [to a world title shot], but I’ve always said, ‘One fight at a time.’ I’m so focused on this fight. I just need to get the job done now. I’m excited.”
