Lee McGregor lands IBO world title shot against Erik Robles in return to ring

Lee McGregor will fight for the vacant IBO world super bantamweight title when he makes a return to Edinburgh next month.

“Lightning” will go up against Mexican fighter Erik Robles at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Friday, July 21 in the televised bout and will be aiming to come out on top in what he says will be a “life-changing” fight.

But McGregor, who was British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight champions, is anticipating a tough match against a dangerous opponent.

“It’s a big fight, it’s a life changing fight for me,” he said.

“I didn’t think it would be possible to go straight back into a big title fight like this, and so when it got put forward, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“It’s going to get the fans buzzing, get people talking about me again and so I need to go in and put on a performance to pick up this belt and add it to my collection.

“But it is very, very risky with these fights. We’ve seen time and time again with Mexicans coming over to the UK and upsetting people, so I need to be switched on.”

Robles insists he is travelling to Edinburgh to pick up the IBO belt and will upset the odds and the Scottish fans.

He said: “On July 21, in Edinburgh, I will add my name to the long list of world champions from Mexico.

“Everyone expects McGregor to win this fight, he is the favourite and he has his home fans on his side, but he has never faced a Mexican fighter before. Next month, he will learn all about the Mexican fighting spirit.”

Kalle Sauerland, global head of boxing at promoter Wasserman Boxing, said: “We had an incredible reaction when we revealed Lee would be fighting back in Edinburgh, so today’s news that he will also be fighting for the IBO world title, is going to send his fans wild.

“Everyone at Wasserman Boxing is delighted to deliver this opportunity for Lee and we know, with the backing of his amazing fans, he is going to grab it with both hands, in what promises to be an exceptional fight on a memorable night.”