After a mighty effort on Saturday night, it wasn't to be for Jason Quigley in his massive bout with Edgar Berlanga.
Berlanga, with a 20-0 record at super middleweight level, was on home soil at Madison Square Garden in New York, presenting a huge test for Ballybofey man Quigley.
But it did not daunt Quigley and, as he had predicted when speaking to Balls.ie in the leadup to the fight, there was a sizeable Irish following present at MSG, who made their presence felt in the crowd.
After a tough 12 rounds, Quigley ultimately lost out by unanimous decision, but there was praise for the Irishman from both his opponent Berlanga and from promoter Eddie Hearn, as he proved his worth at the highest level.
Jason Quigley Edgar Berlanga 116-108 (x2) 118-106
Jason Quigley loses out to Edgar Berlanga in New York
It was always going to take something special for Jason Quigley to come out on top in New York on Saturday night, and he ultimately came up just short after a spirited and impressive display against Edgar Berlanga.
Despite earning plaudits for his tactical and aggressive approach during the fight, Quigley was knocked down four times across the 12 rounds, and ultimately lost out by unanimous decision, with the scorecards reading 116-108, 116-108, 118-106.
Recap of Edgar Berlanga's victory at MSG 🗽#BerlangaQuigley | @autozone pic.twitter.com/XiuHWom4em
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 25, 2023
Quigley has earned newfound respect from many after his battling display at MSG, and among those to praise him in the aftermath of the bout was the victor.
Berlanga, celebrating a victory in his home city, praised Quigley for his well thought-out approach and game plan, saying he "took his hat off" to Quigley and his team:
He knew I was coming to fight. Everybody that steps in the ring with me knows I got punching power and they train to survive.
They try to box and move around, use their jab and try to kill me on points because they know I got the hammer.
I take my hat off to his team. They came with a great game plan.
After the fight, Matchroom Boxing shared a clip of Quigley and Berlanga embracing in the depths of the arena, after a draining fight.
Respect after war 🤝 @EdgarBerlangaJr @jay_quigley #BerlangaQuigley | DAZN pic.twitter.com/zJtvpBVN66
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) June 25, 2023
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Quigley's promoter Eddie Hearn also praised the Donegal man's performance, saying he "boxed out of his skin tonight."
It may have ended in defeat, but Jason Quigley certainly did himself and his team proud on Saturday night, and showed his potential to battle for world championships in the years to come.
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