Prospect Lee McGregor is looking to take that next step
Rising bantamweight prospect Lee “Lightning” McGregor (9-0, 7ko) is tearing up the domestic scene and is looking to keep the momentum going against EBU European champion Karim Guerfi (29-4, 9ko).
McGregor has not taken the foot off the gas since turning pro back in November 2017. The 24-year-old fighter knocked out his first five opponents, and he captured the vacant Commonwealth title in his fifth fight.
In November 2019, the 5-foot 7 1/2-inch tall fighter nicknamed Lightning, with only eight professional fights, took a huge challenge taking on the BBBofC undefeated titleholder Ukashir Farooq. These two fought at an amazing, high octane pace. Also, both fighters were going to the body as if they were hitting a punching bag.
When the final bell sounded, McGregor was awarded a split decision victory, making the young man the holder of two domestic titles. Furthermore, he will be looking to collect all three domestic level titles when he steps in the ring against Guerfi.
INTERESTING FACTS
Guerfi is a 34-year-old fighter from France that started his career as a super featherweight. He would later compete at both flyweight and bantamweight. Moreover, he is a two-time EBU champion and has shared the ring with IBF number one ranked Michael Dasmarinas, former champions Juan Carlos Reveco and Zhanat Zhakiyanov. In all three fights, the French fighter took that L.
Equally important, he is just as tall as the younger McGregor and has never fought for a world championship. Although, he is ranked in the eighth spot by the IBF.
McGregor is trained by the famous British trainer, Ben Davison. The same man that trains WBO Super Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders, unified junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor, and former trainer of WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Furthermore, Lightning is ranked number four by the IBF organization. This means the winner of this fight is in position for a huge, future championship bout.
In a supremely talented and stacked division with the best crop of former and current world champions, there is no room for error. Will the young challenger move forward, or will the old lion finally get over the hump?
Watch this fight live on ESPN+ on the undercard of Maxi Hughes vs Paul Hyland Friday, March 19.
By: Garrisson Bland
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