Lee McGregor confident of Tynecastle world title fight

The British, Commonwealth and European bamtamweight champion has new perspective after months away from family.

Newly crowned European boxing champion Lee McGregor believes it is only a matter of time before his dream fight at Tynecastle becomes a reality.

The 24-year-old Hearts-daft boxer has spoken to club owner Ann Budge about the possibility of bringing a big fight to the 20,000 capacity football ground.

McGregor is eyeing world titles after picking up the British, Commonwealth and European belts after just ten professional fights.

He is hoping to fight in Las Vegas on the undercard of Josh Taylor’s world unification bout against Jose Ramirez in May.

But the call of Tynecastle is still strong for the Edinburgh born-and-bred bantamweight.

Speaking as he posed for photographs with his belts inside the stadium, McGregor said: “Imagine challenging for the world title in here, in a sold out stadium.

“It feels like the more we are talking about it the more real it is becoming.

“Ann Budge has made it clear it is basically up to us to get the right fight at the right time, which I am sure my management will.

“Then let’s do this.”

McGregor will soon begin preparations for his next fight but for now he is making the most of long-overdue time with his young family.

The European title clash against Karim Guerfi was postponed three times due to Covid restrictions – including when he and his team caught the virus while in camp.

It made for a grueling six months away from his two-year-old daughter Maddison-Blue and partner Amber, so he is savouring every moment with them before the training cycle starts all over again in his pursuit of boxing biggest prizes.

Family: Lee McGregor at home with his daughter Maddison-Blue

McGregor said: “Since I have been home I have just been loving every moment spending time with my family.

“I have not left my daughter’s side, we have been having so much fun together. This for her, this is why I am doing it.

“Obviously it is my lifelong dream and it is a bonus that I enjoy it.

“But the main reason now is to provide for my family and give her the best life possible.”

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