Karim Guerfi vs Lee McGregor now headlines January 22nd MTK Fight Night

Karim Guerfi’s European bantamweight title defense against Lee McGregor, originally slated for November 11th before the latter tested positive for COVID, will now headline a January 22nd MTK Fight Night on iFL TV and ESPN+.

Guerfi (29-4, 9 KO) won the belt with a 2013 majority decision over Stephane Jamoye, lost it to Zhanat Zhakiyanov in his first defense, regained it by beating Ryan Farrag, defended it against Jamoye, somehow lost hold of it, then got it back with a stoppage of Georges Ory last November. McGregor (9-0, 7 KO) is coming off a narrow split decision over Kash Farooq.

McGregor said: “I’m delighted to get this new date finalised. I was more than ready for November 11 but now with it being January 22, it has given me more time and I’ll be more ready.

“There is respect there as Guerfi is a good fighter, but he’s had a bit to say about me recently, so that has added a little bit of bad blood. We’re going in with intentions of hurting each other, so there’s a bit of needle now heading into fight night.”

Guerfi said: “I’m happy the fight is rescheduled and I will be ready to no problem. I have stayed focused and my objective is to keep my belt. I’m 100% determined and I will train hard to beat Lee McGregor.”