Clash of Redemption: Peter McGrail and Marc Leach Target NXTGEN Victory in Liverpool

Peter McGrail (8-1, 5 KOs) and Marc Leach (18-3-1, 4 KOs) will look to return to winning ways when they clash on Saturday, April 27.

The two super bantamweights fight in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing NXTGEN card at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England. Their bout will be broadcast live on DAZN around the world. McGrail lost his last fight via a shock knockout in round five against Ja’Rico O’Quinn in December last year. On the other hand, Leach is winless in his last two bouts, losing a unanimous decision to Liam Davies in June 2022 and getting stopped by Masood Abdullah in October last year.

McGrail was initially going to fight O’Quinn in a rematch. However, the American pulled out due to personal family matters. As a result, Leach will now face the Liverpudlian. Both he and McGrail spoke at a press conference Thursday ahead of their clash. Below is what they had to say.

Peter McGrail and Marc Leach Target Vital Win

Peter McGrail

“I was gutted it wasn’t Ja’Rico,” said McGrail. “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 a former British Champion. So if anything, I’m going to be in a better position once 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 here, hopefully after this fight he doesn’t flap it again and he’ll get over to the UK, or I’ll even go 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.”

“A loss doesn’t define anyone. If you like at 95% of all the greats, there’s losses on their records…headlining in my city obviously [in an] arena full of Scousers I’m looking to put a show on Saturday and close the show in style.”

“Marc’s been about for years. I’ve known him on the amateur circuit. I’ve never known him personally, but, I’m expecting a tough, awkward fight. As I said before, I’m more than ready for domestic people, the likes of Marc Leach, but fair play to him for taking the fight. I respect that because obviously, with Ja’Rico, I think he flapped it...”

Marc Leach

“I don’t turn down no fights,” said Leach. “I’m in the sport to be the best. Peter McGrail was a lot better than my original opponent that I was meant to face, so for me it was a no brainer. We said yes straight away.”

“I’ve lost my last two and he lost his last fight. We’re both coming off the back of a loss and we’ve got a lot to prove. A loss doesn’t define a person. I’ve learnt from my losses and come back stronger.”

“Hopefully when I win on Saturday it puts me back in the mix for the rest of the titles. It gets my name back in the mix for the top class fights. That’s what I’m in the sport for. I want to keep on proving myself, keep on showing what I’m about.”

“I’ve watched his last fight. He was winning it comfortably and switched off for a split second and sometimes that all happens in boxing. I’m not going to be stuck there. I’m going to be throwing odd shots from everywhere. It’s going to be a lot tougher than these last fights. I’m expecting 10 hard rounds. I can’t wait till fight night now.”

Peter McGrail vs. Marc Leach Fight Prediction

Given how McGrail’s last outing went, he will be looking to make a statement with this fight and try to be as perfect as possible. However, this is also a massive opportunity for Leach and he will want to make the most of it. Expect this clash to go the distance, but with McGrail winning a unanimous decision due to his superior amateur background.

Fights to Keep an Eye Out For

There is a world title fight on this card – with Beatriz Ferreira (4-0, 2 KOs) taking on Yanina del Carmen Lescano(14-3, 4 KOs). Ferreira is all action and looks to become the IBF lightweight champion before heading to the Olympics in search of a gold medal. Lescano has yet to win a fight outside of her native Argentina and will look to change that on Saturday. Expect a very entertaining title bout between these two.

Junaid Boston (8-0, 6 KOs) and Jack Martin (9-1, 4 KOs) is another fight worth tuning into. Both men clash in a bout that will take the winner one step closer to British title honours. Expect them to give it their all in pursuit of that.

Full Press Conference

For the full press conference featuring McGrail, Leach and other fighters on the card, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.