Jason Quigley says Donegal should host regular pro shows after 'Rumble In The Hills'

As some top people from the world of boxing arrive in Donegal, Jason Quigley says this weekend’s ‘Rumble In The Hills’ show can set the stage for regular professional cards in the county.

Former Irish amateur star Joe Ward headlines Saturday night’s card at the Aura Leisure Complex.

Quigley has been a central figure in piecing the jigsaw together with Ward clashing with Ghana’s Prince Oko Nartey over eight rounds in a bout that represents the Moate southpaw’s first pro fight in Ireland.

Ward hasn’t fought in Ireland in almost seven years. His last saw him beat Tony Browne in February 2017 in the Irish light-heavyweight final.

The Jimmy Payne-trained Ward is eyeing big things and hopes Letterkenny can act as a launchpad.

Ward will also have Joey Gamache, the former WBA super-featherweight and lightweight champion, in his corner. Earlier this year, Gamache helped Andy Lee to corner Quigley for a decision loss to Edgar Berlanga at Madison Square Garden and has jetted in to be alongside Ward for his Irish homecoming.

One of the world’s top matchmakers, Robert Diaz - so instrumental for Quigley since he flipped over to the pro ranks - has also flown in for the event.

“It’s really exciting,” Quigley said.

“It’s great to have professional boxing back in Donegal. It’s been too long since we had big time boxing in Donegal.

“In the future, we’d love to have three or four shows a year in Donegal.”

Diaz, based in Los Angeles, is regarded as one of the world’s leading matchmakers and his presence ringside will give the night an added endorsement.

Diaz worked with Golden Boy Promotions since the company’s formation in 2002, but parted ways in January of this year. While working with Golden Boy, Diaz helped to guide the careers of the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, Bernard Hopkins and JoJo Diaz.

It is 13 years since Paul McCloskey overcame Barry Morrison to win the EBU European super lightweight title at the Aura.

With Belfast’s James McGivern set to clash with Josh Sandford for the BUI Celtic lightweight title and Dungloe’s Danny Boyle also featuring, Saturday’s show is expected to set off some fireworks.

Quigley said: “It’s absolutely massive. This is a world class professional boxing show.

To have Joe Ward’s first fight in Ireland here in Donegal is something very special and the undercard is stacked. These lads all want to push on and do big things as professionals.”

The card also features to amateur exhibitions with Raphoe Boxing Club’s Cathal McLaughlin, recently crowned as the Irish Senior middleweight champion before losing out in an Elite semi-final, is among those. McLaughlin will face Cody Lee Peoples, another Irish Elite middleweight semi-finalist.

Quigley said: “We want to show the kids that there is something out there beyond amateur boxing.

“This will be an inspiring night for young kids to get the excitement going in them. There is a way to get paid for this sport.”