Johnny Quigley ready for the world

England has a rich tradition of boxing and the latest prospect trying to make a name for himself is 23 year old Johnny Quigley. The undefeated featherweight has a record of 8-0 and has decided that in order to take the next step in his career, crossing the Atlantic was a must.

Quigley who had a decorated amateur career, can now be found training out of the world famous Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA. Within his first weeks training there he found himself training alongside Superstar Miguel Cotto, an experience that was surreal for the Liverpool native.

“You see these gyms like the Wild Card on the telly and you never think that someday you’re going to be sparring here. Now you’re in the gym where Manny Pacquiao has trained and now Miguel Cotto, it makes me work hard and I want to be a world champion,” said Quigley.

The young fighter is finding out what it takes to compete at the highest level. Under the tutelage of trainer and former Heavyweight Courage Tshabalala, Quigley believes he can take his career to another level. “Courage has the same work ethic as my father so I like the way he works,” said Quigley.

Boxing is a sport that of choice in the Quigley family. “It runs in our family. I got two brothers who are also professionals and they were coached by my dad. I can remember being in the gym after my sixth birthday,” said Quigley.

The red haired fighter has a calm and unsuspecting demeanor about him but make no mistake about his fighting ability, one he believes has a style that fight fans will appreciate. He power punches from both sides and considers himself more of a switch hitter than a southpaw.

He describes his style as a combination of Naseem Hamed and Roy Jones Jr. “If I have to go to war, I’ll go to war. If I can win the fight using my skills, I’ll do that,” said Quigley.

Quigley stays grounded about the whole experience but makes no secret that his motivation goes beyond his personal gain and that providing a better life for his son is a driving force. “I have a son named Johnny and a fiance. I wouldn’t be here if it was a half attempt. I’m here to make a name and be a champion,”said Quigley.

An impressive showing in his next fight in October may win over American promoters who are in search of the next star. His initial plans were to spend months here in the states training but with some success in his next few outings, Quigley hopes to parlay that into an opportunity to remain in the states and move here on a permanent basis.