Boxing
Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail lay down gauntlet with blockbuster super-bantamweight promise
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Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail both vowed to seize the biggest opportunity of their lives when they meet this weekend with eyes on a move to world level.
The duo meet for the European super-bantamweight title in Monte Carlo this weekend, with both arriving in Monaco keen to leave their mark on the division.
Originally slated to meet in the summer before injury forced Masoud to postpone, the pair now have the chance to build on their sterling domestic credentials.
Speaking at Thursday's press conference, both Masoud and McGrail were respectful, but neither shied away from their belief they will emerge victorious in Monaco.
"I've worked my way up to this position, and I'm more than ready for a fight like this," the former said. "I'm going to show everyone what time it is. I'm a bit of a gym rat
"I live the life. Peter is a very good fighter. He's got the skills. But I believe in myself and I know what I've got. A lot of people are going to see on Saturday night."
The latter added: "It's the biggest fight of my life. It's a European title and it gets me up there in the rankings. I'm ready to go. I'm going to put on a show.
"He's a very good fighter, Shabaz, but I believe I'm a great fighter. I don't think he brings anything to the table that I haven't seen before. It's down to me to show that.
"I'm coming to take that belt back to Liverpool. I've been working so hard this camp. I'm up against a hard fighter. But I'm in the shape of my life and you're going to see."
Inoue's shadow looms large as rivals bid for the stars
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
It's hard to see a great super-bantamweight bout these days without the conversation turning to Naoya Inoue - and his shadow looms large this weekend in Monaco.
The star may be gearing up for a trip to Riyadh just after Christmas, but on the French Riviera, two men think they have what it takes to push into challenger status.
Shabaz Masoud has been out of the ring longer than he would have liked thanks to injury, but the star seems confident he can shake off any rust against Peter McGrail.
The Liverpool fighter however has a mean jab and knows his way around a ring as good as anyone in the decision for his admirers, save perhaps Inoue himself.
Only one can push onto world level from here however - and it means this two rivals must bid for the stars as a pound-for-pound great continues to eclipse everyone else.
Watch Masoud vs. McGrail with a DAZN subscription
Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail headline a stacked Monaco fight card this Saturday night, December 6, exclusively on DAZN. Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
