SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT Peter McGrail picked up an essential victory within the 10th struggle of his skilled profession final night time (April 27) in Liverpool towards Marc Leach.
McGrail, who gained a number of medals as an newbie, was snapped up by Matchroom Boxing in February 2023 and tipped to progress rapidly with many backing him to develop into a future world champion.
The “Scouse Lomachenko” noticed these hopes briefly placed on the backburner after going through Detroit’s Ja’Rico O’Quinn final December in America on the Jesse Rodriguez-Sunny Edwards undercard. What ought to have been a showcase for McGrail became a nightmare when he was knocked out within the fifth spherical.
McGrail’s future was now below the highlight at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre in a struggle described as “must-win”. It was a harsh actuality to take care of however the 27-year-old received the job finished and was by no means in any hazard of shedding.
So, the place does McGrail go from right here? Boxing Information gives 5 potential opponents for his subsequent struggle.
Ja’Rico O’Quinn 17-1-1 (9)
The American is contractually obliged to struggle McGrail as soon as once more and with a revenge mission on the Brit’s thoughts this struggle makes essentially the most sense. Ought to McGrail wait to get his personal again on the 29-year-old or overlook a couple of rematch and transfer on? O’Quinn was alleged to be in Liverpool final night time and struggle the Scouser however pulled out initially of April on account of private household issues. Will he be subsequent for McGrail?
Dennis McCann 15-0-1 (8)
The British super-bantamweight champion was on the lips of McGrail’s promoter Eddie Hearn after he watched his fighter get again to successful methods in a British title eliminator. McCann is a much more seasoned professional who has his personal ambitions of going to the highest. Is it sensible? On this present world of Riyadh Season and Hearn and Frank Warren working collectively then possibly it’s. It could be a defining take a look at for each males.
TJ Doheny 25-4 (19)
Doheny has huge expertise and is well-travelled with fights in Australia, Thailand, America, and Japan on his file. The gross sales pitch of Hearn would start with the actual fact Doheny is a former IBF super-bantamweight world champion. Not solely that he has shared the ring with Ryosuke Iwasa, Daniel Roman, Michael Conlan and Sam Goodman. A win for McGrail towards Doheny, now 37, would considerably enhance his résumé.
Ionut Baluta 16-4-1 (3)
Baluta should certainly be the hardest man in Romania who weighs 122lbs. Having started his profession in Spain Baluta made the UK his subsequent preventing dwelling and has fought right here in seven out of his final eight fights. McCann, Doheny, Brad Foster and Andrew Cain all know the issues he possesses. Solely Michael Conlan and Liam Davies have managed to take care of him. McGrail would have his palms full but when he have been to deal with Baluta and not using a hitch then it will be a little bit of an announcement.
Erik Robles 15-2 (9)
The hard-working and relentless Mexican received the higher of Lee McGregor in Edinburgh final summer season in an exhilarating contest. That win earned Robles the IBO strap at 122lbs however simply final month it was ripped out of his palms by the big-punching and world-rated Liam Davies. McGrail would possible determine Robles out rapidly however may he maintain him away for 10 or 12 rounds?
