Friday 31 March 2017 13:41, UK
Scott Quigg has set his sights on WBA 'super' champion Leo Santa Cruz as he attempts to rise up the featherweight rankings with a victory at Wembley.
The 28-year-old has linked up with new trainer Freddie Roach and is preparing to defend his WBA international title against Viorel Simion on the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko bill at the national stadium on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Quigg doubts whether Santa Cruz will travel to Belfast for a third fight with Carl Frampton following his January points win in Las Vegas and hopes to put himself in contention to face the Californian.
"There is a lot of good options out there, but the front-runner that I would love to fight would be Santa Cruz," Quigg told Sky Sports. "I will always want to avenge the loss to Frampton and I believe if I get the chance, I will definitely avenge that loss.
"We'll have to wait and see. I'm out here now preparing, getting better, loving boxing again, and looking forward to making a real good statement on April 29."
The sole stain on Quigg's record remains his points loss to Frampton in February last year and he believes victory over Santa Cruz would set up a second fight with 'The Jackal.'
"They don't want to give me a rematch, so at the end of the day I'm going to make sure I put myself in the position," he said.
"They are wanting the rematch with Santa Cruz, but I don't see why Santa Cruz is going to go to Belfast when there is no need for him to do that.
"I would love to fight Santa Cruz and if I beat Santa Cruz, I'm sure Frampton would want to come and play ball with me again."
Roach has overseen Quigg's preparations for the past few weeks in Los Angeles and the British fighter is eager to observe star duo Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, who also work with the respected trainer.
"I think Cotto will be coming into camp in a few weeks' time and I'm doing some work with his performance coach, Gavin MacMillan," said Quigg. "I'm working with people the top fighters are working with.
"I've never met Manny Pacquiao. I come out here every year and I'm still yet to meet him. When he comes into camp, it will be good to meet him and not only that, watch how they do things, his work ethic, how he practices. They are the little things that you cannot buy."
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
