BOXER Scott Quigg is in the shape of his life ahead of Saturday’s WBA world super bantamweight title clash with Yoandris Salinas at London’s O2 Arena.

That is the view of his trainer Joe Gallagher who believes the 24-year-old, pictured, who trains at Amir Khan’s Gloves Gym in Bolton, is ready to follow in the footseps of Ricky Hatton and Khan and become the next North West world champion.

Gallagher is no stranger to big bouts with a stable that also includes the four Smith brothers from Liverpool, who recently made history becoming the first quartet of siblings to hold title belts, and Mancunian star Anthony Crolla.

But he is as excited about Quigg’s prospects as anyone as he prepares to top the bill in the capital.

Gallagher told The Bolton News: “Scott is ready for this – he is in the shape of his life and this is his moment.

“He is primed and ready to win that world title.

“He has already been awarded the belt but it is right he wants to win it in the ring and hold it above his head.

“I am happy with where we are at in preparation and it is just making sure the game-plan works on Saturday.”

It promises to be a close battle with both fighters going into the clash unbeaten – Quigg having just one draw in 26 bouts and 28-year-old Cuban Salinas one in his 20.

Quigg is currently ranked number two in his weight division in Britain behind Belfast’s Carl Frampton and ninth in the world, while Salinas is in 42nd spot internationally.

The pair will step into the ring a week later than planned after originally being a fight on the undercard of the scheduled Tyson Fury v David Haye bout in Manchester.

And the swift rearrangement has pleased Gallagher who is grateful all the hard work preparation put in by Bury-born Quigg in training will not go to waste.

He added: “When I heard the Haye v Fury fight was off I did not want to be the one to tell Scott in case he decked me!

“Thankfully, promoter Eddie Hearn sorted it quickly. There was no chance to get down about it we head to London where he is now top of the bill.

“The extra week meant we had to change things a bit as we were getting ready for last weekend.

“But we are there now and I think he will still have the same amount of support in London.

“I heard they are running coaches from his nan’s chip shop in Bury.

“It is a tough test against a smart Cuban fighter in Salinas.

“But Scott is chomping at the bit and for someone who lives and breathes boxing, this is a chance to achieve his dream of being world champion.”