Quigley already dreaming of Canelo bout

JASON QUIGLEY has admitted that just thinking about a world title shot at middleweight kingpin Canelo Alvarez gives him goosebumps.

But for now, it’s a relatively low-key encounter – and a potential banana skin – versus Finland’s Mathias Eklund on a nine-bout Matchroom card at the Copper Box in London tonight.

The 34-year-old Finn has won 10 of his 13 fights, and undefeated Quigley (15-0), boxing for the first time outside the USA, wants to let him know who’s boss.

“I know this lad is tough and he’s going to come to fight. He will be coming forward prepared to grab this opportunity with both hands,” he said.

“But I’m here to put him back in his box and let him know who I am, that I’m ready to start catapulting my career and start the ball rolling for 2019.”

Quigley was within striking distance of challenging Japan’s Ryota Murata for his WBA title in Las Vegas last September.

The flights were booked, the press conference was arranged but boxing chiefs overlooked that Rob Brant was the mandatory challenger.

The Texas puncher got the shot and shocked the London 2012 champion on points to claim the belt.

Quigley reckons it’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot and he’d love it to be against his Golden Boy stable-mate Canelo.

“It’s on the horizon, it’s just a matter of time,” added the Ballybofey orthodox who will have a keen interest in the Canelo versus Daniel Jacobs WBC/IBF/ WBA showdown in Las Vegas in May.

“One day I would love to share the ring with him and take a few of them straps off him. Just thinking about it is exciting.”