Scott Quigg to defend WBA title against Kiko Martinez on July 18

Britain's Scott Quigg (30-0-2, 22 KOs) will defend his WBA super bantamweight title against former IBF champion Kiko Martinez (32-5, 24 KOs) on July 18 at the Manchester Arena.

Quigg has not fought since his points victory over Japan's Hidenori Otake in November because of hand surgery, but he will be back on home turf against tough Spaniard Martinez, whose only two defeats in more than five years have come against Quigg's rival Carl Frampton.

"I was very busy and the break has done me good – I am refreshed," said Quigg. "We know what Kiko brings, he’s been in everyone’s backyard and this is the toughest fight of my career – but there’s one thing I know, I will beat him on July 18.

"He’s strong, he comes forward and he’s a big puncher. It will be the best performance of my career and it will need to be, I predict a devastating victory.
"This is a dangerous fight and those are the ones I want. It’s the type of fight that you get out of bed for your morning runs for – the fear of losing that world title makes me work even harder."

Quigg had hoped to face IBF titleholder Frampton in an all-British unification clash. Quigg's promoter Eddie Hearn offered the Northern Irishman £1.5m to fight but that was turned down so they were forced to consider other options.