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Scott Quigg to face Kiko Martinez on July 18

Fighters Network
12
May
Quigg outpointed Hidenori Otaki in November. Photo by Scott Heavey/ Getty

Quigg (right) outpointed Hidenori Otaki in November. Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Junior featherweight contender Scott Quigg will defend his WBA “regular” title against veteran Spaniard Kiko Martinez at the Manchester Arena, England, on July 18.

[Editor’s Note: THE RING only recognizes Guillermo Rigondeaux as WBA titleholder at 122 pounds.]

It will be the undefeated Englishman’s first outing in eight months after undergoing hand surgery following a lopsided points victory over Japan’s Hidenori Otake in November last year.

Quigg, from Bury, is THE RING’s No. 3-ranked 122 pounder and will look to make a strong statement by taking out former IBF beltholder Martinez (32-5, 24 knockouts), who lost that title last year when beaten for a second time by long-standing rival, Carl Frampton.



“I was very busy and the break has done me good – I am refreshed,” said 26-year-old Quigg (30-2, 22 KOs), who, before his recent injury, had fought five times in 13 months. “We know what Kiko brings; he’s been in everyone’s backyard and this is the toughest fight of my career. But there’s one thing I know: I will beat him on July 18.

“He’s strong; he comes forward and he’s a big puncher. It will be the best performance of my career – and it will need to be. I predict a devastating victory.

“This is a dangerous fight and these are the ones I want. It’s the type of fight that you get out of bed for and go on your morning run for. The fear of losing my title makes me work even harder.”

 

Follow Harry at gharrypratt.

 

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