Mitchell-Murray, the race is on!

By Mark Fletcher: At the start of 2009, things looked promising in the lightweight division as far as Great Britain were concerned, Amir Khan came back well from his first round knockout by Breidis Prescott, Jon Thaxton had rolled back the years to capture the European title and John Murray was set start a promising year as a British champion.

But as the year went on things took a twist, Amir Khan had moved up to light-welterweight despite becoming the WBO’s lightweight number one challenger, Jon Thaxton had lost a controversial 12 round decision to Frenchman Anthony Mezaache and then dropped an eight rounder to journeyman Tom Glover, and John Murray had been stripped of his British title after failing to make weight against Scott Lawton, suddenly Great Britain’s lightweight division was fading.

Not to be proven wrong Murray and Thaxton arranged to fight for the now vacant British title and this time Murray made weight comfortably and looked impressive in stopping Jon Thaxton in four rounds, sadly making Thaxton decide to call it a day though deep down it was the right decision. Although Murray was back on top he stood alone, enter Kevin Mitchell, a talent of the same age who has impressively chalked up 30 wins (22 KO’s) although his all but last came in the super-featherweight division.

Like Khan his he had worked his way towards the mandatory spot in his respective division but decided to move up although not for a title shot, but an eliminator with noneother than Khans conqueror Bredis Prescott. Mitchell was the underdog but won an impressive 12 round decision, impressive in terms or how well he dealt with Prescotts relentlessness and impressive in it being his first fight as a lightweight.

Suddenly the division has a possible future that the fans will be screaming for. Mitchell’s win over Prescott has made him the WBO’s number one whilst Murray has a European title shot at Anthony Mezaache, who is ranked No3 by the WBC, now should both fighters come through their next bouts things will spice up as we could have a world champion and a highly ranked European champion.

I for one would love to see this fight happen, both fighters are the same age, hottley tipped prospects and big ticket sellers wh aim to please but what makes it interesting is the vast improvement both have made this year. After eight months out with a hand injury, the come-foward, big swinging Mitchell has shown more discipline and against Breidis Prescott shown how fight on the back-foot and land the big shots.

Murray had been a bit hot and cold over 24 fights, but had been matched against some tough journeymen and seemed to fail to get motivated for ordinary opponents but since blasting out Lee Meager last year for the British title he has gone on to stop Lee McCallister (7), Scott Lawton (6) and Jon Thaxton, showing an improved defence and a better variety of angle shots in his combinations.

Also both fighters have great chins, neither being dropped in their pro careers and have a large following of fans. With Murray being frm Manchester and Mitchell being from Dagenham it could promoted superbly and Frank Warren (Mitchell) and Mick Hennessey (Murray) have worked together before.

Kevin Mitchell 30-0 (22) or John Murray 28 (16) ? I cant split them but would love to hear some opinions…..

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