Undefeated Irish middleweight sensation Jason Quigley has landed a career-best opportunity to kick off a whopper 2017.
The 12-0(10KOs) Donegal fighter has already amassed a huge following on the west coast of America during his exciting career since signing with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014.
Having delivered convincing boxing lessons to two very solid opponents to close out 2016, the man christened 'El Animal' by his Latino gymmates and local fans has been announced as the headliner on a major Golden Boy card in March.
ESPN and Golden Boy Promotions last week announced a multi-year, international agreement for a series of fights to be televised live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes - a massive boost Stateside as professional boxing continues to clamber out of its recent slumber.
The 25-year-old Quigley was on Friday night confirmed as the headline fighter on Golden Boy's very first new ESPN card on March 23rd.
Just a week after gymmate Michael Conlan makes his professional bow at Madison Square Garden, the former European amateur champion and World silver medallist will throw down with fellow former amateur sensation Glen Tapia (23-3, 15KOs) at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.
Tapia's three defeats have arrived against formidable opponents in James Kirkland, Michel Soro and David Lemieux. His clash with Ballybofey's Quigley will be broadcast throughout the U.S., in both English and Spanish, on ESPN and its affiliated networks in Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia and parts of Asia.
What a way to kick off #GBPonESPN I'm ready to put on a show 👊🏼🇮🇪 #TeamQuigley @GoldenBoyBoxing @ESPNBoxing https://t.co/mpt3GEG4nJ
— Jason Quigley (@jay_quigley) January 27, 2017
Brilliant news Jay! 👊 https://t.co/HKXT5UxytU
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 27, 2017
Speaking after he announced Golden Boy's new partnership with ESPN last week, Oscar De La Hoya said:
ESPN is a flagship network with a history of showcasing and bringing audiences into the world of boxing, making this deal a natural fit for Golden Boy Promotions. Having worked with ESPN in the past, we know first-hand that its multiple TV and digital platforms represent a must-watch for casual and die-hard sports fans. I'm thrilled that Golden Boy's talented stable of fighters will be showcased before a wide audience who will have the opportunity to watch and follow the sports' current and future world champions.
It's certainly a career-best opportunity for the freight train-like Quigley, who was named one of ESPN's top prospects in world boxing by Dan Rafael at the tail-end of last year.
'El Animal' will seek to pounce on Tapia as he did Jorge Melendez in his last outing, only this time in front of a far larger audience.
