Peter McGrail headlines against Alexander Espinoza
Tokyo 2020 Olympian Peter McGrail (4-0, 3KO) tops the bill at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday, October 15 against dangerous Nicaraguan Alexander Espinoza(21-4-2KO) over 10 rounds, in a milestone moment for the former amateur sensation.
A world-champion-in-the-making, 26-year-old McGrail knows a win over former WBA titlist Espinoza will make his rivals sit up and take note as he picks up the pace on his journey to the top of the super bantamweight division.
A product of Everton Red Triangle gym, McGrail is the star attraction as Probellum returns to Liverpool next month, but he is supported in the co-main event by world title contender Jazza Dickens (31-4, 12KO) who fights the hard-hitting South African Lerato Dlamini (17-1, 9KO).
Dickens enters into another high stakes contest as he rebuilds towards a world title shot and Dlamini – known as ‘Lights Out’ – cares not for reputations having caused an upset in his only previous fight outside of his homeland.
Probellum Liverpool II also includes the must-see UK debut of Olympic super heavyweight champion Bakhodir Jalolov who has a frightening 100% KO record as a pro.
Trained by Paul Stevenson, Peter McGrail said: “Alexander Espinoza comes to fight and does not take a backwards step, so this is easily the hardest fight of my career to date.
“But I’ve said many times before that I am more than ready for these challenges and believe that I am as good as anyone in the division when it comes to skills and ability, but now I need the rounds and the experience to go with it.
“Espinoza will push me, but I plan on making a statement to the rest of the division by hitting him with my blurring hand speed and then closing the show with a vicious stoppage.”
Hailing from the proud fighting nation of Nicaragua, Espinoza is a former WBA Fedelatin bantamweight champion and won the WBC International Silver bantamweight belt in 2020 but lost it in his first defence to Kash Farooq in 2021.
The 29-year-old, whose nickname is ‘Supernova’, lost a contentious decision to former amateur stand-out Mikhail Aloyan in Russia before giving Kash Farooq all he could handle in a battle last year, leaving the Scot with cuts over both eyes and a damaged cheek at the end of 10 rounds. The experienced Central American will not be overawed by travelling into the lion’s den in Liverpool.
Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Probellum’s return to Liverpool in October is going to prove a landmark moment in Peter McGrail’s career.
“Peter is headlining a show for the first time and steps up to the 10-round distance, against a dangerous and highly seasoned opponent. And this is where the ‘Scouse Lomachenko’ sends a message to the rest of the guys at 122lbs.
“October 15 is Peter McGrail’s coming out party – make sure you are there!”
Peter's talented young brother, Joe McGrail, will top the undercard action read more…
