Scott Quigg and Jono Carroll are currently on the same career trajectory heading into their fight this Saturday from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, live on DAZN.
Quigg, 31, is five fights removed from losing his WBA super bantamweight belt to Carl Frampton in a title unification bout back in February 2016. Then two contests ago, Quigg dropped a decision in an all-action match to Oscar Valdez. Fighting in his own backyard, Quigg knows another setback would put him out of future title aspirations for the time being.
"This is the most important because this is a must-win fight," Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) said at Wednesday's press conference. "It's a fight I will win. I've had big fights in the past. I'm not taking this lightly. I'm fully focused. I know what I need to do on Saturday night."
In March 2019, Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) suffered the first loss of his professional career when he lost by unanimous decision to then-IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer. Carroll got back on track by winning his next two fights, including a lopsided decision over Eleazar Valenzuela in August.
Carroll is grateful to get another high-profile affair against someone the stature of Quigg. He feels this is the moment he shows the world who the better man is, and the baton will be passed from the Englishman to the Irishman.
"It's a big moment for my career," Carroll said. "I'm thankful for this big opportunity. Scott Quigg is a massive name, a former world champion. I just feel like he needs to pass that torch to me now. I feel like it's my time. He's had his day. He's a very good, seasoned professional fighter. I just can't overlook that. I'm expecting Scott Quigg, the world champion, to show up. I prepared for the world champion, the best him. I just feel like it's my time now."
Both guys feel they will leave the ring victorious. Quigg's been dismissive of Carroll's power due to his lack of putting guys away. Carroll is ready to let his fists do the talking.
"Scott thinks I have feather fists, but we're going to see," Carroll said. "I believe these feather fists have a lot of damage coming Saturday night."