Lee McGregor to fight for vacant Commonwealth title

Lee McGregor, Edinburgh's IBF world youth bantamweight champion, has the opportunity to add a second belt when he boxes Cameroonian Thomas Essomba for the vacant Commonwealth title in October.

Lee McGregor

The 21-year-old has made short work of his opponents since earning a first-round stoppage in his professional debut at the Royal Highland Centre in November. Three more stoppages have since followed as McGregor’s profile has risen under the tutelage of Cyclone Promotions manager and former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan. The youngster’s biggest victory to date was his world youth triumph over Goodluck Mrema at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro in June.

The four-times Scottish and British amateur champion will now focus on Essomba, whom he faces at London’s York Hall on Saturday, October 13 – exclusively live on Channel 5.

McGregor is a stablemate of Prestonpans star Josh Taylor and is the next Scottish boxer tipped for great success.

“I’m absolutely buzzing that this fight has been made. Not many fighters get to challenge for the Commonwealth title in their fifth fight so I’m grateful to my team for having faith in me,” McGregor said. “I will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the Commonwealth title is coming back to Edinburgh with me.”

McGuigan added: “This kid is one of the most exciting talents in boxing right now and he’s very keen to continue his knockout performances against teak-tough Essomba.”