14th June 2011
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| Martin Murray – by britishboxers.co.uk |
WBA inter-continental and Commonwealth champion Martin Murray meets the English champion from Trowbridge youngster Nick Blackwell, with the for vacant British middleweight title also on the line in a title fight galore at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on Saturday June 18th.
Both fighters are under the Hatton banner, but Murray is by far the more experienced man, having almost three times as many fights in his unblemished 22-fight career than unbeaten Blackwell’s eight-fight record.
Murray, ranked number four by the WBA, starts a big favourite, but says he will not be under estimating Blackwell. “There is no chance of me under-estimating him. It only takes one punch to change a fight.” said the 28-year-old from St Helens.
“A lot of people are going on about Nick’s lack of experience, but I am not surprised he has taken this chance.
“He has everything to gain and it is one he cannot knock back. I am glad he has taken it and respect him for that.
“I’ve not seen a lot of him, but he looks like a good fighter and he will be coming to win. I’ll be giving him the full respect he deserves.” added Murray.
Blackwell, became the youngest-ever holder of an English middleweight title at 20 years and 234 days and now has the opportunity to become the youngest British champion since Ryan Rhodes, who fights Saul Alvarez this weekend, won the light-middleweight crown in 1996.
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| britishboxers.co.uk |
“Murray is an experienced fighter and won everything he has gone for and it’s a case of Nick being the underdog,’ said Mark Kent Blackwell’s trainer.
“He’s been given an opportunity that we could have turned down. But this happened with the English title, when he made boxing history.
“The choice was down to Nick in the end, whether he wanted to take the fight. My opinion is straightaway that if I didn’t think Nick could beat Murray I would have said don’t take it.’’
The Weigh in video Murray v Blackwell
Kent, who works with Blackwell at his Contender Gym in Trowbridge, added: “Hatton’s came to us with the fight and we know why they did – because of Nick’s lack of experience.
“They’re looking at it as ‘only eight fights, a lack of experience’, whereas Murray has had 22 fights and nine knockouts.
“Either way, with this fight, Nick is in the limelight. Everything is learning and moving him on to the next level.
“He’s now at top domestic level, so this is an opportunity that not many people get.’’
On the Undercard
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| Joe Murray – britishboxers.co.uk |
Manchester former Olympian and brother of world ranked John Murray (no relation to Martin) Joe Murray will challenge for his first professional title when he meets George Gachechiladze for the vacant IBF featherweight youth title on a cracking undercard in Wigan.
‘Genius’ Joe has been making steady progress learning his trade under the wing of Gallagher’s Gym in Denton Manchester and on the undercards of many Hatton Promotions bills winning all ten professional fights.
Murray who has not had the exposure that the other returning Olympians have had, has been progressing nicely and although a completely different style to his toe to toe brawling brother John, Murray has plenty of skills and is ready to be stepped up to the next level.
His opponent the tough Georgian, 24, has won eight of his 14 bouts and last November gave Rhys Roberts a tough night before losing on points.
“Joe still has some way to go, but he is desperate to become a professional champion and this is the perfect opportunity. said Hatton Promotions Ricky Hatton.
“This is his biggest test as a professional so far and while Gachechiladze may not be world class he is a very capable international fighter who will come to win.
“I confidently expect Joe to pick up what will be the first of many titles under the Hatton Promotions banner.
“It will be a tremendous learning experience and I think he will have to go the distance before getting his raised.
“I will never ever forget the first time I went 12 rounds, against Jon Thaxton. I was cut it was tough, but that win helped prepare me for the tough world title fight that lay ahead. The same applies to Joe and he will be a much better fighter for the experience.”
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| Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla – britishboxers.co.uk |
British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla faces Belgium Herve De Luca for the vacant WBA inter-continental lightweight title in what should be an easy nights work for the likeable Manchester lad with a ‘Million Dollars’ in his fists.
Crolla still riding high from his Lonsdale belt win, when he knocked out Liverpool’s John Watson to win that title, will look to make it a successful title night for the Joe Gallagher boxing camp along with Joe Murray.
Prospects on the undercard include Adam Little who faces Junior Thompson and Chris Male who will be tested by Dai Davies, plus the exciting Craig Lyon.
This show kicks off a very busy couple of months for Hatton Promotions with title fights coming thick and fast. The company headed by former light-welterweight and welterweight champion of the world Ricky Hatton is making big strides in the British fight scene at the moment and here are some of the shows coming up.
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| www.brandhatton.com |
Craig Watson attempts to regain the British welterweight crown when he challenges Lee Purdy at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday July 16. Watson is out for revenge following his shock defeat against the Essex man last month.
On the same card Commonwealth welterweight champion Denton Vassell boxes a non-title six rounder and local boy Darren Stubbs tackles Bob Ajisafe for vacant English light-heavyweight title.
A week later on Saturday July 23, the Hatton Promotions bandwagon rolls into Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre. Unbeaten local hero Scott Quigg will defend his WBA inter-continental title in his final contest before challenging British champ Jason Booth.
Hatton Promotions presents A Night of Championship Boxing on Saturday 18th June 2011 at Robin Park Sports Centre, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UH.
Doors open 18:00, First Fight 18:15
Ticket Prices; General Admission £35.00, Ringside £55.00, VIP Ringside
£75.00
Prices subject to booking fees where applicable. – All boxers & bouts subject to change without prior notice.
Searches in operation. The Promoter has the right to refuse entry. No refunds for late entry.
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