Date set for Scottish showdown between Farooq and McGregor

THE most eagerly-awaited all-Scottish boxing clash in years is on after Kash Farooq and Lee McGregor, the reigning British and Commonwealth bantamweight champions, agreed to put their unbeaten records on the line at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Saturday, November 16.

The MTK Global show pits together Saughton fighter McGregor, who claimed to Commonwealth belt with a stoppage of Thomas Essomba, with Farooq, who has successfully defended his Lonsdale belt in two bouts since blasting aside Dundee’s Jamie Wilson in the first round last September. To be screened live on ESPN+ in the United States in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV worldwide, the event is a throwback to Alex Arthur’s title clashes with Willie Limond, Craig Docherty and Ricky Burns in 2003, 2005 and 2006 respectively.

“This harks back to the golden days of Scottish boxing,” said Glasgow’s Farooq, who has a perfect 13 fight pro record, with six of his victories by knockout. “There’s no bad ‘beef’ – it’s just simply going to be a great night for the sport in our country. Two Scottish fighters facing each other for these two prestigious titles is a rare occasion and it’s great to be sharing the ring with Lee McGregor. I think the place will sell out quickly and everyone in Scotland will tune in to watch.”

McGregor said: “I know it’ll be the hardest fight of my career and I would say the same goes for Kash. I know it’s going to be a tough night but I’m going to be fully prepared.

“This is the biggest fight in Scotland for a long, long time.”