“I can’t put into words just how ready I am for this fight,” - it’s fair to say British champion Kash Farooq’s shot at Commonwealth champ Lee McGregor has been a long time coming.
The much-hyped showdown between the pair has been on the cards for more than a year now with both men constantly quizzed on the matter every time they appear in front of the press.
And finally, after months of negotiations and with the finer details all agreed between the respective management teams, their paths will finally cross in front of a sold out Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday.
READ MORE: Date set for Farooq v McGregor showdown
Both young, incredibly talented and boasting unbeaten records with prestigious belts around their waists, the mouthwatering clash between the pair is a fight for both the purists of the sport and casuals alike.
And with the Emirates selling out an incredible six weeks before fight night, it’s fair to say this one has well and truly caught the public’s imagination with so much at stake for both men.
Knightswood fighter Farooq is the current British bantamweight champion, winning the title with a brutal first round knockout win over Jamie Wilson last year before going on to make three successful defences of his title to become Scotland’s 17th outright winner of the Lonsdale belt.
McGregor, meanwhile, clinched the Commonwealth (British Empire) title at the same weight after just five professional fights.
With neither fighter slinging insults around in the build up, this is, quite simply, a good old-fashioned 50/50 fight with plenty of mutual respect.
“It’s the biggest fight of my life and I’m feeling great,” Farooq told Post Sport. “I honestly can’t wait for it now.
“I’m feeling as fit as ever and as strong as ever with the best camp I’ve ever had behind me so I’m raring to go. I can’t put into words just how ready I am for this fight.
“There’s a lot of excitement there but I’m just keeping my head clear and focusing on the job in hand. I’m laid back and relaxing this week and focusing on light training - once I get nearer the fight, I’ll switch to fight mode.”
Never one to slack in the build up or go off the rails in between fights, Farooq was always going to be ready for this one.
READ MORE: History-maker Farooq wins coveted Lonsdale belt outright
Notoriously committed to the sport and all it entails in terms of early morning runs and gruelling training sessions, the 23-year-old embraces that side of the game and, as such, has left no stone unturned ahead of the biggest night of his career.
He added: “I’ve had some excellent sparring over the last few weeks. I was down in Hartlepool getting in some good rounds with Thomas Patrick Ward who is rated at world level at super-bantamweight. I also sparred with former world champion Paul Butler which was a good experience.
“All that has made for what was the best training camp and preparation I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve been in with so many styles and have held my own against them all which shows just how good I am - I’m more than confident that I’ll be able to deal with anything Lee can throw at me on the night.”
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