Lee: I learned a lot in win over big-hearted ace
BY MICHAEL GANNON
LEE McGREGOR insists he’s ready to battle for major glory after learning his lessons from his war with Kash Farooq.
The 23-year-old Edinburgh ace edged a controversial decision in his British and Commonwealth showdown with his Scottish rival last year.
McGregor is set to return to the ring on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s unification defence against Apinun Khongsong at the Hydro on May 2 and the youngster is determined to kick on.
McGregor said: “Those are the fights you want to be involved in and dream about being involved in as a kid. It was a gruelling fight with Kash and the whole of the UK were talking about it.
“I was privileged to be a part of it and hats off to Kash for leaving it all in the ring along with myself.
“There was no quitting from either of us and we fought our hearts out until the final bell.
“I learned a lot. I had to dig deep and could have done things differently during the fight.
“That is easier said than done. When you have the fighter’s instinct you just think, ‘Let’s go’.
“Watching it back I’ve realised there are reasons why you have game plans and why you approach fights with a specific plan. It is tough. You can’t just fight for a full 12 rounds and expect to blow guys away because it doesn’t work like that.
“You need to use your amateur background, your talent.”
McGregor was breezing through the bantamweight division until the Farooq fight but insisted he needed to be pushed to the limit to raise his game.
He said: “I was blasting guys away and that was probably what I needed at this stage in my career to go on to the next level.
“These guys are not messing and could potentially beat you and take your titles. It was a great learning fight for me and I have taken a lot away from it.
“It is always good winning in style and sending out a message but at this level winning in style should be the last thing on your mind. It is just about getting that hand raised and taking those belts back home to the family.That’s what is most important and that is my mindset going into every fight now.”
McGregor is looking to follow world champ pal Taylor all the way to the top.
He said: “Maybe I needed the break with how gruelling the Kash fight was as well so I am fresh. I am hoping it is going to be a big year for me.
“I look up to Josh. I have trained alongside him for years and know the work he puts in.”