I’LL WIN THIS FOR MADDIE
McGregor inspired by daughter as he bids to make up for lost time
LEE McGREGOR insists he will be inspired by the heartbreak of watching daughter Maddie grow up over Facetime for the past six months.
The British-Commonwealth bantamweight champion is hoping to get his hands on Karim Guerfi’s European title when the pair lock horns in Bolton tomorrow evening.
The bout is finally set to go ahead following three previous postponements stretching back to November 11.
McGregor has been in camp in London since September alongside trainer Ben Davison, while partner Amber and Maddie have been back at the family home in Edinburgh.
And the 24-year-old is determined to make sure the sacrifice of missing out on priceless time with his little girl is not in vain when he enters the ring with the Frenchman.
McGregor said: “All my sacrifice, pain that I’ve been through with the setbacks and being away from my family, that will be worth it on Friday. For the whole time, apart from a couple of weeks here and there, I’ve been away from them so I’ve missed out on a helluva lot of my daughter’s early life.
“I feel like I’ve been watching her grow through Facetime and videos. It’s been heartbreaking at times.
“I can physically see it in photos and videos that she is changing in front of my eyes and I’m not there to witness it.
“I actually managed to make her second birthday because it was just at the beginning of November and it was after I’d tested positive for the virus.
“I was at home for that, I also got to see her on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and I was back to London on Boxing Day. I was waking up on New Year’s Day sparring 12 rounds.
“A couple of more days and I’ll be back home, I’ll be back with that new belt and it will all be worth it.”
McGregor concedes viewers watching the fight at the Bolton Whites Hotel won’t appreciate everything he has been through since September.
He said: “That’s one thing people don’t see. It’s crazy what we all go through, making weight and months of blood, sweat and tears all for this one night. People see you under the bright lights and think it’s all well and dandy. It’s far from that.
“I’ve put my body through hell to get to this stage.
“But when I get into that ring on Friday night I’ll be fresh, refuelled and recharged.
“We’re nearly there and it’s touching distance, the next time I lace up those gloves it will be for real.”
McGregor is hoping nothing will now get in the way of this fight after Covid-related issues forced three call-offs.
He said: “It’s the weigh-in on Thursday, we’ll get that out of the way and then it’s time to get excited. I got my negative result back on Wednesday morning so all I have to do now is weigh in.
“It’s happening, it’s finally happening, and I’m excited.”
I can physically see it in photos and videos that she is changing in front of my eyes
LEE MCGREGOR ON MISSING OUT ON TIME WITH HIS YOUNG DAUGHTER