COMMONWEALTH champion Lee McGregor admits he has nothing but respect for Kash Farooq but will still try to “take his head off” when they step into the ring together.

The two undefeated bantamweights are set to meet in a sizzling Scottish showdown at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on November 16, with Farooq’s British belt also on the line.

McGregor says there will be no trash talk between the highly-rated pair in the build-up but revealed he will turn into a “devil” once the first bell sounds.

The Edinburgh boxer said: “If anyone is expecting bad blood between me and Kash then they’re not going to get it as we have too much respect for each other. We’ve travelled through the amateurs together, we’re two of the best in this division and we both want to prove we’re the best.

“But when that first bell goes I’ll be wanting to take his head off, don’t worry about that. I’m a nice guy but I’m always going to be a devil in the ring. And it will be the same against Kash. I want to win and I’m going out to do that.”

McGregor’s team MTK Global had pushed for the fight against Glasgow-based Farooq to be held in Edinburgh. But the Hearts diehard insists his band of supporters will make so much noise in the arena it will feel like a home fight for him anyway.

“I would have loved it in Edinburgh and we tried for that,” he said. “But you’ll think you’re in Edinburgh anyway when I come out to fight as I’ll have a massive support and they’ll make some noise. Anyone who would have come out to watch me in Edinburgh will be coming through to Glasgow. It makes no difference. It’s just a wee bit longer to travel but everyone likes the away-day on the bus so they’ll all be in good spirits.

“I believe this could have sold out a bigger arena. The Emirates only holds 2000 so it will sell out really quickly. But I’m happy with that as it will be rowdy and enclosed and a great atmosphere. That’s what I like. We could have gone to the Hydro and sold 4000 or 5000 tickets but it’s a big open space.

“This fight sells itself with how we’ve been as pros. I think MTK will be surprised how quickly it sells out and how noisy it’s going to be. People are talking about flying up from down south which shows how highly they’re rating this fight.”

Rising star McGregor is undefeated in his first seven pro fights and says he is ready for Farooq.

“I’ve been training for weeks and weeks now so I’m already in great shape. It’s perfect timing. I’ll be in the shape of my life. They’ve given us almost three months for this one and it helps get you in the right mindset knowing it’s coming up.”