After a terrific start to his professional career, Peter McGrail returns to fight this Saturday night at the M&S Bank Arena after previously defeating Hironori Miyake in Tokyo back in December.
Currently boasting a record of six wins with zero losses, the former Olympian is starting to make waves in the paid ranks. It helps that five of those wins were knock-outs.
Nicolas Nahuel Botelli is his next opponent and, should he beat him, McGrail has his sights set on titles. Also on the card is social media star Jonny Fisher and Campbell Hatton, son of former boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Fighting out of the Everton Red Triangle gym, McGrail was one of the most decorated amateur boxers before turning pro. He told MerseySportLive: “I won my first national title, boxed for England for the first time and then from there I won seven national titles and started representing Great Britain.
“I won countless international tournaments, won Commonwealth gold, European gold. I’m the first Scouser to this day to win a European gold. I then won two world bronzes consecutively in 2017 and 2019.”
McGrail made his pro-debut in 2021 on the undercard of former world champion and fellow Liverpudlian Liam Smith.
His previous achievements have given him the taste for more success. That will continue on Saturday as he searches for a seventh win.
He said: “Hopefully in a few years’ time you are all going to see me be a world champion. Being a world champion is going to be special for me, special for my family.”
Now 26 and on an unbeaten run, McGrail losthis first three fights as an amateur. His determination alongside the support of his coaches and family played a major role in where he is today. Being from the Liverpool, his character and beliefs match that of the city.
He said: “It’s a good story to say I lost my first three fights and now I’m here, aren’t I?
“When I’ve won medals in a tournament, and I can see how happy and proud they are for me, it’s already a belter for me. But when you see how proud your mum and dad and family are for you, it just makes things better.”
Liverpool John Moores University sports scientist Dr Carl Langan is part of McGrail’s team. He ensures that the southpaw makes his weight for each fight as well as boxing at his optimum.
Said Dr Langan: “What I love about Peter and his mentality is he wants the world title as quickly as he can get it, but his coach Paul is really good in that they’ve got a clear pathway for his progression and he’s patient. He knows he’s got to build up.”
McGrail’s potential is clear. Dr Langan, who also works with the likes of Liam Smith and UFC stars Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann, believes that he will move further up the weight divisions.
He said: “We could build him up to featherweight now, we know he will be a featherweight eventually, but he can make super bantam weight and can campaign and be successful and go for those titles.
“If you look at the most successful guys, like Canelo, Pacquiao. They’ve done that very well.”
Alongside football, boxing and combat sports are the heartbeat of Liverpool. McGrail will hope to follow in the footsteps of Tony Bellew, Liam Smith and Callum Smith in making a name for himself.
Saturday night provides the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his ability and put him on the right path to challenge for titles.
