Boxing legend turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya has his sights set high for Ireland's Jason Quigley and believes he will be a World Champion with a year.
Speaking to Highland Radio's Oisin Kelly, De La Hoya said: "I'm really looking forward to Jason Quigley's next fight with Glen Tapia who is a very dangerous opponent so we're obviously in his corner and we believe in him 100%."
Quigley is headlining the Golden Boy Promotions Card in California on Thursday and asked if the Donegal native was the right man to top the bill, De La Hoya said: "Absolutely! Jason was a natural fit not only because he's a real hard worker but he's a great competitor and he has tremendous ability and skills. He's a perfect fit because he's in a division as well that's very popular in today's world of boxing.
"The middleweight division is a hot division and we strongly believe Jason Quigley can become a World Champion by the end of the year or the first quarter of next year."
Jason Quigley in action against James De La Rosa. Image: ©INPHO/Eoin Mundow
Speaking on the confidence Quigley has displayed since teaming up with the Golden Boy, he said: "Yeah, it's got a lot to do with his blood line. He's a fighter, he's a warrior, he's a champion and we strongly feel that it's a matter of time that Jason Quigley becomes that World Champion that he desires.
"Jason Quigley had a great amateur career which obviously helps him in the pro ranks against professionals. I believe we have the perfect package and we're going to continue with Golden Boy Promotions to build a champion for you guys," he added.
Quigley faces off with Glen Tapia for the North America Boxing Federation Middleweight belt on Thursday evening at the Fantasy Springs Resort in California and the bout will also be broadcast on ESPN in America.
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