Mcgregor and Farooq ready for showdown

Lee Mcgregor has his sights set on “life-changing opportunities” as he prepares to meet Kash Farooq in one of the biggest all-scottish fights in recent years.

Edinburgh’s Mcgregor is putting his Commonwealth bantamweight belt on the line while Glasgow’s Farooq brings his British title to the table at the Emirates Arena tonight.

The pair have been friends through the amateur ranks but both are determined to protect their unbeaten records and move on to greater things.

Mcgregor, 22, said: “I think people forget that I’ve had seven professional fights and this is my fourth title fight.

“Not many fighters do that and I’m quite proud of myself and I think I have proved I am willing to fight anybody and not scared of any challenge.

“I could easily have padded my record and been 10 and 11-0 fighting journeymen and everyone still raving about me.

“But I want to be in proper fights. If fighters coming up through the ranks don’t strive to be involved in events like this then I’m afraid you’re in the wrong game.

“I’m ready for Saturday, I want to get this out the way and make sure I win this fight and it’s life-changing after this.”

Mcgregor added: “How do we switch off that friends mentality? Let’s be honest, it’s quite easy for both of us to do it.

“We know what’s at stake, the winner goes on to life-changing opportunities.”

Farooq has already beaten two fellow Scots in his four British title fights and the 23-year-old aims to prove he is the best in the land.

“I won the British outright anyway, so for me it’s just about winning this fight,” Farooq said.

“It’s all about bragging rights – who is the best in Scotland. That’s what it means to me.

“My focus is on this fight, I don’t care what’s afterwards.”

Lee Mcgregor faces fellow Scot Kash Farooq.