McGregor says late mother spurred him on

LEE McGregor insists his late mother helped inspire him to victory over Thomas Essomba as the bantamweight boxer got his hands on the Commonwealth belt.

Fighting in only his fifth professional bout, Edinburgh-born McGregor finally stopped the Cameroonian in the 12th round in a compelling fight at London’s York Hall.

The 21-year-old lost mum Elizabeth to cancer last year and dedicated the win to her, as well as his late grandparents.

He said: “I had my mum, my granda and my grandma on my shoulders in that ring, where was I getting that energy from in the 12th round to keep fighting on?

“I had them behind me looking over me and I want to dedicate that to them.

“My granda was my biggest fan, my mum – all of them. I miss them so much but that fight and belt – I dedicate that to every single one of them and I hope they’re looking down and I hope they’re proud.”

The pair exchanged a series of blows during a captivating clash before McGregor finally disposed of Essomba in the final round with a barrage of shots.

WBC Silver super lightweight champion Josh Taylor watched on from ringside and was thrilled to see his stablemate take a major step forward in his young career.

Taylor said: “I am absolutely delighted for him, and I’m totally over the moon for him.

“It was such a dogfight but a class, well-operated fight up at close quarters.

“Their defence was good and they picking good shots and both hurting each other with some heavy shots.”