Exclusive interview: Peter McGrail's trainer says his fighter can go all the way

Paul Stevenson’s belief in Peter McGrail has no ceiling. The trainer at Liverpool’s thriving Everton Red Triangle gym in the north of the city has nurtured McGrail’s talent from a young boy to a man who will make his professional bow this weekend live on DAZN on the undercard of Liam Smith’s local derby with Anthony Fowler. 

McGrail, Britain’s most decorated amateur of recent times, is putting his Olympic disappointment to pursue pro prizes in a move that has the Liverpool fight community excited. Stevenson, a coach who has earned plaudits in both codes of boxing, has overseen the debut of many talented fighters but it’s McGrail that fills him with the most excitement. 

“This isn’t just a lad who’s decided to turn pro and walk into my gym,” said Stevenson when speaking exclusively with DAZN . “This is many years hard work that has been put into Peter and I can’t wait to watch him perform. I’ve worked him since he was a young kid and I’ve watched him win so many things as an amateur, but I always knew this day was going to come and I can’t tell you just how good he’s going to be.” 

Before converting McGrail from outstanding amateur to blue chip prospect, Stevenson’s work in boxing has seen him take many fighters to title level. Under his tutelage, talented fighters such as Jazza Dickens, Kevin Satchell and Ryan Farrag all excelled at title level, and after taking those fighters to lofty heights, Stevenson is convinced he can do the same with McGrail. 

“There’s no limits to his ability and how far he can go. I’ve been around the sport a long time now, so when I say that Peter can go all the way then I mean it. In my opinion, he’s the best amateur fighter this city has ever had, and I know he’s got everything it takes to have similar success as a professional. Saturday is the start of something really big for Peter.” 

Watch Peter McGrail speak at the final fight press conference ahead of his pro debut