Shropshire boxing star ready to shine in Monte-Carlo

Masoud is unbeaten in 14 professional bouts but has not fought since winning the IBO crown in an all-Shropshire affair with Liam Davies 13 months ago.

Yet the Wellington-trained ace claims he could not be feeling better ahead of the showdown on the French Riviera.

“I worked my way up to this position,” he said. “I’m ready, I’m more than ready for a fight like this. 

“I’m going to show everyone what time it is.”

Masoud was originally scheduled to face McGrail, who boxed for GB in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in Birmingham in June only to suffer an injury in the build-up. 

He continued: “I’ve been in the gym the whole year, even when I had that injury, I was still in the gym working on other things. 

“You can ask anyone in the team, I’m a bit of a gym rat, I’m always in the gym. 

“Peter is a very good fighter. He’s got good skills and stuff. I believe in myself, and I know what I’ve got. A lot of people are going to see on Saturday night.”

Liverpool’s McGrail, who has just one blemish on his record in a 13-fight professional career, said: “It’s the biggest fight of my life to date and it’s going to be a great fight. 

“One hundred percent, I am up for this. I’ve been working so hard this camp. 

“I’m up against a very very good fighter but I’m in the shape of my life and you’ll all see that on Saturday night. He’s a very good fighter but I believe I’m a great fighter too.”

The bout tops a busy card which will also see Wolverhampton welterweight Conah Walker take on Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack.

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn is predicting the main event will be close.

He said: “I think both guys fight in spurts. They do not fight on the back foot all the time.

“McGrail is in and out and Masoud can mix it up, he can punch and box long.

“I think you are going to see a wonderful boxing match. These are not going to be two guys swinging for the chandeliers in the Salles Des Etoiles. It is going to be a tremendous boxing match-up.”