LONDON, SEPTEMBER 26 - Peter McGrail faces the hardest fight of his career when he headlines a major show in Liverpool next month.
McGrail tops the bill at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday, October 15 and takes on the dangerous Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza over 10 rounds, in a milestone moment for the former amateur sensation.
A world-champion-in-the-making, McGrail (4-0, 3KOs) knows a win over Espinoza (21-4-2) will make his rivals sit up and take note as he picks up the pace on his journey to the top of the super bantamweight division.
McGrail is the star attraction as Probellum returns to Liverpool next month, but he is supported in the co-main event by Jazza Dickens who fights the hard-hitting South African Lerato Dlamini.
Dickens (31-4, 12KOs) enters into another high stakes contest as he rebuilds towards a world title shot and Dlamini (17-1, 9KOs) - known as ‘Lights Out’ - cares not for reputations having caused an upset in his only previous fight outside of his homeland.
Probellum Liverpool II also includes the must-see UK debut of Olympic super heavyweight champion Bakhodir Jalolov who has a frightening 100% KO record as a pro.
Peter McGrail said: “Alexander Espinoza comes to fight and does not take a backwards step, so this is easily the hardest fight of my career to date.
“But I’ve said many times before that I am more than ready for these challenges and believe that I am as good as anyone in the division when it comes to skills and ability, but now I need the rounds and the experience to go with it.
“Espinoza will push me, but I plan on making a statement to the rest of the division by hitting him with my blurring hand speed and then closing the show with a vicious stoppage.”
Hailing from the proud fighting nation of Nicaragua, Espinoza will not be overawed by travelling into the lion’s den in Liverpool.
The 29-year-old, whose nickname is ‘Supernova’, lost a contentious decision to former amateur stand-out Mikhail Aloyan in Russia before giving Kash Farooq all he could handle in a battle last year, leaving the Scot with cuts over both eyes and a damaged cheek at the end of 10 rounds.
Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Probellum’s return to Liverpool in October is going to prove a landmark moment in Peter McGrail’s career.
“Peter is headlining a show for the first time and steps up to the 10-round distance, against a dangerous and highly seasoned opponent. And this is where the ‘Scouse Lomachenko’ sends a message to the rest of the guys at 122lbs.
“October 15 is Peter McGrail’s coming out party – make sure you are there!”