BoxRec

Terry D wrote:Can't wait to sample it myself.

Interesting night and I'm looking forward to Gavin versus Saville, who is a tough hombre.

alexpaterson wrote:Cant wait for this fight the atmosphere will be amazing. Its a tough one to call but im going for Smigga

dbflex wrote:http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/BN08/detail.asp?id=1313

Terry Dooley speaks to the challenger ahead of the big Liverpool derby tomorrow and also gets a few words with his former trainer Billy Graham. All feedback appreciated, cheers.

Wales wrote:Massive shout from Billy Graham saying Paul Smith is the hardest hitter he's ever trained.

Eraserhead wrote:Can't wait for this one. Quigley showed something Smith has yet to show against Dodson in March and I'd give him the slight edge going in. Smith has been very protected and I always wonder about these guys that take two decades and 40 pro fights to even compete for a domestic title. Should be an amazing scrap, though, whichever way it goes.

They are calling it the biggest Liverpool boxing derby since Andy Holligan and Shea Neary crossed swords in the1990s and there is no doubting there is a definite 'buzz' in the city ahead of Friday night's all-Scouse showdown between Paul Smith and Tony Quigley.

Quigley is defending the British super-middleweight title he won on March by beating Tony Dodson but he's the betting underdog in this one with Smith a top price 8/15 jolly to come through.

'Smigga' was a top class amateur (he lost very close decisions in major international bouts to both Jean Pascal and Andre Dirrell) but claimed top domestic honours as both a junior and senior.

His pro career has been something of a slow-burner when you consider that he turned over in 2003 and yet this is his first time on TV as a main event attraction.

Smith, from a large fighting family, has compiled a 27-1 (15) pro log and definitely has the edge in terms of experience. Not only was he a decorated amateur he also boxed on The Contender two years ago and after beating the useful David Banks he was unlucky to have to leave the show after sustaining a cut.

At 27 he is two years older than Quigley, who emerged victorious after a sensational domestic battle with Dodson for the vacant British 12st belt earlier this year. Quigley shipped an awful lot of punishment in the fight but was as game as a pebble throughout and got his reward when he nailed and stopped his Merseyside rival halfway through a frenetic final stanza.

There is added spice to this one as the pair used to be good friends but apparently Quigley took umbrage at Smith commentating on a radio show recently that he'd beat both Dodson and Quigley on the same night.

Given the needle between the pair and the fact that the Echo Arena in the heart of the city's dockland should be bouncing by the first bell, a special night looks assured.

Quigley has a 13-1 (6) pro log with his only defeat coming against classy Welshman Nathan Cleverly in 2006 (body shots doing for him on that occasion). He has rebounded well however by winning his last six and he insists he is in top shape for this one.

He seems unfazed by Smith's macho talk and admitted in a press conference this week that he is likely to have to get on his bike and "play to my strengths" to retain his title.

Despite a KO ratio of less than 50% as a pro Smith is a big-hitter. Indeed Ricky Hatton's former trainer Billy Graham insists 'Smigga' is "the hardest pound-for-pound puncher" he has ever worked with). And there is no doubt he'll be fired up on the night.

If he goes looking for the KO though he could come a cropper as Quigley has some nice moves and counter-punches well.

However I expect a fighter of such vast amateur and pro experience (he has worked extensively in the gym sparring Hatton down the years) to be patient and look to create his own openings.

Proving he can go the 12-round distance against Dodson will have done Quigley the world of good mentally but he has been beset by injury problems since that win (troubled by tendonitis in his shoulder) and when I have seen him in the past he has tended to have a low, sloppy guard and he's not that difficult to hit.

Quigley's silky boxing skills may see him build up and early lead in this one but I expect Smith to catch up with him at some stage and when he does I have a feeling he will take him out, so quotes of 3/1 about Smith winning inside the distance make plenty of appeal.

bynino wrote:cant wait for this one!! should be a great fight! quigley looks like he means business like