IN A RECENT interview with The42, unbeaten Irish middleweight sensation Jason Quigley [13-0, 10KOs] spoke of life in Los Angeles, the illusion of Instagram, and how America’s west coast would never be deemed ‘home’ by a man from Ballybofey.

Today, after three years spent in the Hollywood hills, Quigley has confirmed he has relocated much nearer his native hills of Donegal.

The 26-year-old NABF middleweight champion has joined Dominic Ingle’s stable in Sheffield, England, where he’ll base himself permanently.

The former European amateur champion and world silver medallist will continue to be promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy, as he has been since turning professional in 2014. Sheer Sports, too, will continue to manage his career.

Quigley will begin training with Ingle later this month.

“I plan to make big waves in 2018,” he said.

“A lot of the fighters Dominic has had have the same style as myself. They’re elusive, technically sound boxers who have power. Where I have got to already has come from my boxing ability.

“When you turn pro, people think you have to turn around and start landing big, heavy shots. But you need to box. Boxing is a skill and a technique. The sport is boxing and I’ve got to where I am by boxing.

“It’s time to tap back into my technique and my boxing skills. Dominic Ingle will bring those out of me.

“Look at the fighters Dominic has with him,” Quigley adds. “Kell Brook, Kid Galahad, Junior Witter, Billy Joe Saunders…a continuous success story. I plan to be another success story in 2018.”

Christened ‘El Animal’ by his now-former gym-mates at The Rock Gym in Carson, California, Quigley has been out of action since March due to a broken hand suffered during his victory over Glen Tapia for the NABF title – his first as a professional.

He’ll relaunch his career just across the Irish Sea early next year, and is enthused by the prospect of moving closer to home while aware that there will likely be sceptics.

“It’s a big move and people will question it – but it’s perfect for me.

“Even when I talk about it, I can feel a smile on my face. When something feels so right, you just have to go make it happen.

“I have had a great time in America. Leaving LA was a decision that I took a lot of time to think about, but I’m happy that I have made the right decision.

“I’m happy that I have the full backing of Golden Boy Promotions and Sheer Sports Management for the move.

“My speed and my power are all coming back again. I’ve stayed in shape over the last few months and I fell brilliant.

Since I’ve come home from LA, I haven’t been able to sleep, but it hasn’t been because of jet lag: it’s because of excitement. I’m excited. I dreamed last night about my next pro fight and about knocking the guy out. I just can’t wait to get back through the ropes and do what I love doing.

Ingle said of his new charge: “Jason is 13-0, he’s unbeaten, but he has come under the radar here. He has world title potential. Not everyone has that, but Jason does. He has made the right move to get him to the world title.

“He’s got a good style, he’s smart and he has a good boxing brain. We will bring him through and see what works. He will get quality sparring here, too, and we’ll get him on a good programme immediately.”

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‘Everyone sees Instagram and thinks, ‘Quigley’s in LA, living the life.’ But life is never that simple’