By Jake Donovan
Plans to secure the next opponent for 122 lb. titlist Scott Quigg are expected to reach resolution as early as next week, but not a moment sooner.
In other words, anything you’ve read to this point remains speculation.
The unbeaten Brit will next fight on November 22 at Echo Arena in Liverpool, in supporting capacity to a rematch between Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew. The showcase slot for Quigg comes as a compromise to a greater desire for a showdown with longtime rival Carl Frampton, who claimed a belt of his own following a 12-round win over Kiko Martinez in their rematch last month in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Japan’s Shingo Wake has been rumored as the leading candidate to face Quigg (29-0-2, 22KOs), but remains in the running for the moment.
“One of three targets, but not yet,” promoter Eddie Hearn responded to BoxingScene.com UK News Editor Terence Dooley when asked if the defense versus Wake was officially on board.
The streaking southpaw has scored seven straight wins dating back to July ’11. A fight with Quigg would mark his first title fight and also his first trip outside of Japan.
Whomever the opponent, Quigg enjoys a quick in-ring turnaround. His most recent appearance came just four weeks ago, scoring a 3rd round knockout of Stephane Jamoye in Manchester, England. The win was his third straight stoppage, with the bouts lasting a combined 17 minutes of ring time.
Overall, Quigg as made four defenses of the alphabet belt he’s held since Nov. ’12, when he stopped countryman Rendall Munroe in their interim title fight rematch.
Tickets for the Nov. 22 event have been sold out, with 12,000 tickets sold less than two full days after they went on sale in the beginning of October. The feat made it the fastest selling sporting event in the history of the Echo Arena.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
