PROMISING Port boxer Grant Quigley will fight it out for his first professional title next week.

The talented 21-year-old fighter is on a run of three back-to-back wins since turning pro last year but will face his toughest test yet against Englishman Mark Till for the Light Heavyweight British Junior Challenge Belt in Glasgow a week tomorrow.

He will also have to contend with his first eight-round contest, which is double what he’s been fighting at so far in the paid ranks.

But his long-time coach Kenny Crighton, who runs the Port Glasgow Victoria Club where Grant trains, has the utmost confidence in his star boxer and says he is in great shape after sacrificing his Christmas and New Year to prepare.

Kenny told the Tele: “It’s a good belt and it’s a big, big step up for him.

“This is also a big step up in rounds because he’s only done four so he’s had to double his work-rate.

“Because this is a title fight he also has to be right on the weight and there will be a weigh-in the day before the fight.

“But he’s a fit guy and I’m really looking forward to it, to see him step up in class.

“He’s been training right through Christmas and New Year — he didn’t have a Christmas.

“But he knew he had to do that to be in shape for the fight.”

Next Thursday night will also help give Grant’s team an indication of how far away he is from future title fights.

Coach Kenny and manager Colin Bellshaw, of Saltire Boxing, hope to see him battling for a full British belt in the next two years and believe he has all the skills and talent to do it.

Kenny said: “Hopefully over the next two years he will be fighting for a full British title — he won’t be far away if he continues the way he’s been going.

“There’s no reason why he can’t. That’s another big step up again.

“He’s won British titles and just about every other title out there as an amateur but this gives him a chance to box for a title early in his pro career.”

Grant is back on the bill of the legendary St Andrew’s Sporting Club at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Glasgow city centre in front of a packed audience which will include IBF world middleweight champion Darren Barker.

It will be a busy couple of months for the Port boxer with another fight lined up in March and plans to attend a training camp down south next month and he is on the lookout for a sponsor.

For more information call 07810 545860, and for tickets to the St Andrew’s night next Thursday call 0141 810 5700 or email office@standrewssportingclub.com

Video by POITV Sport.