Scott Quigg’s dream of becoming a two-weight world champion turned into a California nightmare — and it all started on the scales.
He travelled to LA hoping to dethrone Oscar Valdez and reignite talks of a rematch with Carl Frampton. Instead, he left empty-handed, battered, and bruised — with a broken nose, a busted reputation, and a whole lot of questions to answer.
Weight Woes and Questions of Professionalism
The drama started at Friday’s weigh-in, when Quigg came in 2.5lbs over the featherweight limit — and under California rules, that meant he wasn’t even allowed to try cutting further. The backlash was immediate. Fans, pundits, and fellow fighters piled on, calling him unprofessional and accusing him of using size as a tactic.
It was Quigg’s first time missing weight in his career, and frankly, the timing couldn’t have been worse. A world title fight — on US soil — and he’s coming in heavy? Intentional or not, it looked bad.
To be fair, he did explain it. A fractured foot four weeks out had apparently disrupted his prep, forcing him to start cutting early. By fight week, his body had shut down. And to his credit, he owned it — offering a full apology post-fight.
But the damage was done.
Fight Night: Too Heavy, Too Flat, Too Easy to Hit
By fight night, Quigg reportedly weighed 140lbs — effectively coming in as a welterweight against a true featherweight champion. But any supposed advantage vanished the moment the first bell rang.
He walked forward in straight lines, got picked off with speed, and looked lost for long stretches. Valdez boxed smart, landed cleaner, and kept breaking through Quigg’s high guard. Quigg had his moments — he rocked Valdez and even broke his jaw — but he couldn’t sustain pressure or control the pace.
The judges had it wide: 118–110, 117–111, 117–111. Same as my card.
It wasn’t a robbery. It was a beating.
What Next for Scott Quigg?
There’s still a fighter in there. But after this, it’s clear something needs to change.
Option 1: Stay at Featherweight
Featherweight is probably still the best weight for him — despite this hiccup. He’s ranked, respected, and could rebuild with a solid domestic fight.
Option 2: Return to Joe Gallagher
Quigg hasn’t looked the same since switching to Freddie Roach. There’s no shame in admitting a move didn’t work out. Under Gallagher, he looked sharper, more aggressive, and far more disciplined.
The Wild Card gym is legendary, but it’s not for everyone.
Option 3: Take a Long Break and Rebuild
With a broken nose and multiple cuts to heal, Quigg needs time — but more importantly, he needs direction. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a moment of reckoning.
Final Word
Boxing’s full of comebacks. But for Quigg to return, he’ll need more than physical healing — he needs the right team, the right weight, and the right motivation. The next move might define the rest of his career.
What do you think? Should Quigg stay at featherweight? Go back to Gallagher? Or walk away altogether? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Hi Chris interesting subject I fill Quigg was disrespectful there’s no excuse for any fighter to come in over weight none at all,and I agree he should go back to his old trainer get back to basic’s cheers mate.