MTK Global has announced that British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor will follow the traditional route to a world title by facing European champion Karim Guerfi on a date to be confirmed in November.
Historically, British fighters would collect all three belts before contesting world honours with a European title shot usually the litmus test of a boxer’s potential.
McGregor (9-0, 7 KOs) impressed last month with a fifth round stoppage of Ryan Walker, but faces a stiffer challenge against Frenchman Guerfi (29-4, 9 KOs), a three-time European champion who has fought in very good company.
“I’m so excited and anyone who knows me knows I don’t back down from a hard challenge,” said McGregor. “It’s no different this time I’m ready to show the world what I can really do..
“It will mean so much to me to win the European title. To become British, Commonwealth and European champion within 10 fights is a huge achievement and I’m not sure if many British fighters have done that, so I’m going to make sure I leave no stone unturned and be the best prepared I’ve ever been.
“I know Guerfi is a dangerous fighter and I’m expecting a very exciting and fan-friendly fight. I will be 100% ready for whatever he brings. He’s a lot more experienced than me but I’m a young hungry fighter who’s fresh and ready to announce myself to the world stage.”
Champion Guerfi added: “I’m really excited to fight Lee McGregor, he is a good fighter and all of the fans in Scotland and the UK like this guy, so I can’t wait. I haven’t fought since I won the title again last November [stopping Georges Ory in nine rounds] and I’ve been desperate to come back into the ring as boxing is my life.
“McGregor is a warrior. He’s intelligent in the ring, so I think it’s going to be a good fight for the fans. I know I must beat this guy in style if I want to keep my belt.”
Main image: Guerfi vs McGregor will take place in November, MTK Global.
