By Adam Fillingham: Undefeated British lightweight champion John Murray will get his shot at the European title against champion, and No.3 ranked by the World Boxing Council Anthony Mezaache of France early in 2010. The event will take place in Manchester after Hennessy Sports and R2 Image and Events came to an agreement for the event to be promoted by Hennessy Sports.

John Murray came back from disappointment and poor professionalism when he came in 2oz over weight for his second title defence against Scott Lawton, with a win over Jon Thaxton. Murray was by far the better fighter and overwhelmed his out of form opponent from the opening bell. Murray went on to knock the 35 year old out in the forth round, handing Thaxton his tenth loss.

Anthony Mezaache also defeated Jon Thaxton to become European champion. Mezaache made harder work of it than Murray did, finishing Thaxton off with a close 12 round unanimous decision. The final judges scores were, 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113.

Both fighters looked bad in the fight, Thaxton looked his age and Mezaache just didn’t look all that great to be brutally honest. But a win is a win and Mezaache came away with it and by the looks of it deservedly so. Anthony went on to defend his title once against an in form Andrei Kudriavtsev. Once again though the decision was close winning the fight by two rounds on two score cards and by four rounds on the third.

So the winner of this fight. I’d have to put my money with Murray in this one. Mezaache would make it awkward and tough for the Brit but I think John would come away with the win. In my honest opinion i think it will be a close unanimous decision for the British champion.