Peter McGrail believes he will be taking his first steps towards challenging for titles this weekend as he opened up on his move to Matchroom.
One of Merseyside's most decorated amateur boxers, McGrail returns to the ring for the first time on Saturday night since he beat Hironori Miyake at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo back in December. And the 26-year-old, who trains out of the renowned Everton Red Triangle gym under Paul Stevenson, only has one thing on his mind as he prepares to return to action.
"My first six fights I had four in Liverpool, headlined my own bill, then I boxed in Dubai and boxed in Japan, so I've had some belter experiences in my first six fights,” he told the ECHO.
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“That has then put me in a good position to get a good contract with Matchroom. I am happy with the way it has gone up to now, but now we will be pushing on for titles this year.”
It was announced at the end of last month that McGrail had signed a long-term promotional deal with Matchroom. And the huge Everton supporter believes he has linked up with the best promotional company in boxing.
“When I boxed in my first two fights and I was boxing on their shows, just the atmosphere and stuff was unbelievable," he replied when asked why he picked Matchroom.
“Everything was just smooth and plain sailing. The fight weeks and stuff were boss and for me personally I think Eddie Hearn and Matchroom is the best promotional company in the world. They have shows all over the world and, you never know, I might end up fighting in America at some point this year. That is probably what edged me towards him.”
McGrail was only added to Saturday's bill, which will be co-headlined by Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr, at the end of last month, but speaking to the ECHO the 26-year-old revealed he has long been preparing to return to the ring around this weekend's date.
“It only got announced that I was on the show about a week ago, but I was obviously in talks with promoters and that so I was sort of aiming towards this date anyway,” he said. “I have had very good sparring with the lads in the gym, Andrew Cain, Bradley Strand and Nick Ball, so camp has gone well.
“I was already preparing for that date anyway so camp was already sorted and in full flow before it was announced. I will be looking to put a good performance in and impress the Matchroom team. It is exciting times.”
And when asked if he was feeling any additional pressure after joining Matchroom, McGrail responded: “It is just the same really. You are getting in the ring and you are having a fight.
“I don’t get in the ring and think there are thousands watching here. You are getting in the ring to do a job and it is just what I have done since I was a kid and it just feels the same really, no matter how many people are watching.”
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