McGregor in fast lane for British title

LEE McGREGOR, the fledgling Edinburgh bantamweight, is being fast tracked to a British title shot after less than a handful of pro contests.

The exciting 21-year-old will move a step closer to fulfilling his ambition if he can remove African Goodluck Mrema from his path on the undercard of stablemate Josh Taylor’s forthcoming world title eliminator.

Taylor, from Prestonpans, will challenge Ukrainian Viktor Postol at the SSE Hydro on June 23 for the right to fight for the WBC super-lightweight crown.

But eyebrows were raised when it was announced that McGregor will also face Mrema, from Tanzania, for the IBF Junior world title in only his fourth paid bout.

Mrema, 23, has compiled an impressive record of 22 wins from 24 contests, 12 by knockout, giving rise to concern that it may be a step too far for McGregor at this stage of his development.

But both McGregor and his manager, Barry McGuigan, are adamant that he is equipped to handle the threat posed by Mrema, albeit he concedes: ‘It’s a big step up and, let’s be honest, you are going to see me get hit.

‘But, having fought and won all over the world as an amateur, that won’t faze me. I have never been taken beyond the second round in my pro career and my team clearly have belief in me.

‘My partner is due to have a baby in November and I want to have a couple of belts to show my son or daughter.’

For his part, McGuigan has complete faith in McGregor, saying: ‘Mrema will be a difficult opponent but Lee is looking magnificent and we feel we can move him forward aggressively, like we have done with Josh.’