Boxing
Peter McGrail explains why fight vs. Marc Leach puts him 'in a better position'
Watch McGrail vs. Leach live April 27 on DAZN
Peter McGrail is in the final stages of preparation for his fight against Marc Leach in Liverpool on Saturday after he was originally set to square off against Ja'Rico O'Quinn.
McGrail and O'Quinn fought in December, with O'Quinn earning a fifth-round knockout victory. The men were set to run it back this week but O'Quinn withdrew from the bout, with veteran fighter Leach stepping in to replace him.
While McGrail expressed disappointment that he wouldn't be able to face the man who handed him his first loss, the 27-year-old is looking on the bright side of taking on an experienced replacement with a good pedigree.
"I was gutted it wasn't Ja'Rico," McGrail said at a press conference on Thursday.
"Obviously originally it was so things were good, but there's a lot on the line for this fight. It's a British title eliminator and it's for the WBA International belt - and obviously [Leach is] a former British champion.
"If anything, I'm going to be in a better position when I win on Saturday. That Ja'Rico fight is always going to be there and I'll always be looking to avenge that loss. If Ja'Rico is watching, hopefully after this fight he doesn't flap it again and he'll get over to the UK, or I'll even go back to America again. That's in the future.
"Since that opponent got changed I've been fully focused on Marc Leach and that's what is happening on Saturday."
Despite his eagerness to get O'Quinn in a rematch, McGrail isn't fretting about the "L" on his record.
"A loss doesn't define anyone," he said.
"If you look at 95% of all the greats - there are losses on their records.
"Especially after coming back from a loss, I'm looking to put a show on on Saturday and close the show - especially headlining in my home city in front of a packed arena full of Scousers."
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