Lee McGregor vs Thomas Essomba

[handsofstone]

For the vacant Commonwealth Bantamweight title on the Bakole/Hunter card this weekend on Channel 5, good step up for McGregor in only his 5th fight, he's done everything right so far and looks like another top prospect, hard to say if he's another Josh Taylor as I reckon Taylor will be the best boxer Scotlands produced but he's definitely got a lot to like about him, he's quick, good variety and punches hard at the weight

I haven't seen Essomba since he lost his Commonwealth Flyweight title to Jay Harris in a close one. never knew he'd moved up to Bantam and won the English title including stopping Norman, that win there's better than anything McGregor's got, I still see McGregor being too strong for Essomba and too well schooled, I think he can stop Essomba, nobodies made it past 4 with McGregor but Essomba might take it into the second half, wouldn't rule out McGregor getting another early win though

[Oiky]

I'd pick mcgregor stoppage but Ike you say needs to watch out if the fight drags on past 4

[Stuarty]

McGregor inside 3 for me.

[THEBUTCH]

Essomba's durable and racked up some decent experience. Should be a reasonable test of McGregor's potential.

Spike and then Channel 5 covering the show live.

[brilo33]

I like the look of mccgeor
Looks a real boxer

[handsofstone]

Superb stuff from McGregor, Commonwealth champ after 5 fights and a last round KO, I had him ahead by a few rounds at the time of the stoppage but it was tough night for him, Essomba was tough, awkward and strong as an ox, it was a great learning fight for McGregor as he was a bit all over the place, his timing was off on the outside and while he was better up close it did allow Essomba to land some shots

The styles didn't gel great and McGregor has the ability it was Essomba who was able to use his experience, McGregor got off some nice lefts to the body all night, McGregor looked like he might be getting to Essomba in the 11th but it was still a surprise to see him stop him, it looked like the right uppercut and follow up left hook that finished Essomba off, bit naughty from McGregor punching down on top of the head, thankfully Essomba never made a meal of it and McGregor got a last round KO

[THEBUTCH]

Excellent performance from McGregor given his lack of pro experience. The only reservation I'd have for the future is him becoming burned out if he has lots of tough 12 rounders at such a young age. Time will tell.

[keirw]

Was a good little fight this