World class Murray wants Mitchell


Murray with a boxing masterclass against Gary Buckland to claim the European lightweight title Photo by: Al Stevenson

British lightweight sensation and the newly crowned European titlist John Murray, has thrown down the gauntlet to Kevin Mitchell for an all British super fight to take place by the end of the year, should Mitchell over come Australian Gladiator Michael Katsidis on Saturday night at West Ham’s Upton Park ground.

Murray was in top form last week, out boxing and out punching the brave Gary Buckland, proving that the prior six month layoff had done nothing but good for him, has he put on a boxing masterclass to eventually wear down and stop the Welsh warrior, when the referee Marcus McDonnell stepped in and put an halt to the what was a terrific fight, with 1 minute and 14 seconds remaining of the 11th round.

Manchester boxer John Murray

Murray from Manchester, who trains under the guidance of Joe Gallagher at his Denton gym, now has a record of 29 fights, no defeats, with 17 coming by knockout. John is a throw back to the boxers of old, an uncompromising will to win, coupled with natural boxing instincts and sharp defensive qualities to boot. Murray has now punched himself into the world top 10 rankings and believes he is now ready to mix it with the best lightweights in the world.

“Mitchell fights Katsidis this Saturday and there’s no reason why I can’t fight the winner, I believe I am capable of taking out either of these two in style” said Murray.

“I’ve won the European title and secured the Lonsdale belt outright and now want to start mixing with these guys. Both are strong warriors but I would love to fight either of them”

“I’m very proud to become European champion and I’ve done everything the right way. I’ve been WBC youth world title holder, Young Boxer of the Year, English and British champion and now European champion so the next step is world titles.”

“It has been a great few weeks, in April I broke into the Ring Magazine‘s top ten and now added the European belt to my collection, hopefully after a defence of my European title later this year I can secure a shot at a major World title.”

Murray who has the up most respect for his British counterpart, thinks that Mitchell can win the fight with Katsidis, but would be happy to meet either one of them.

“I think Mitchell can out box Katsidis but I’m not bothered who wins, I just want to fight the winner.”

“Mitchell is doing it the right way by taking chances and not avoiding anyone.”

“Full credit to him as he wants to fight the best to be the best so he is a man cut from the same cloth as me.

“We’ve known each other for years, get on well, boxed as schoolboys. We’ve had similar careers and similar fights. We’re both undefeated, both good punchers and both got good knockout ratios. It’s what Britain needs.”

“I wouldn’t duck anyone and neither would he so it would be a massive fight for us, the fans and a massive fight for Britain.”

Murray has 90 days to make the first defense of the European belt, probably against Ukrainian, Andrei Kudriatsev, although the opportunities Murray has craved should now come flooding his way.

Murray’s promoter Mick Hennessy www.hennessysports.com said “John showed what a great all-round fighter his is on Friday as well as his ferocious trademark attacking style; he also showed great boxing ability. I believe he can beat whoever is put in front of him at World level.”