By Shaun Campbell: In a make or break fight for both men, Kevin Mitchell is set to take on current European lightweight champion John Murray in a true ‘Battle of Britain’ encounter on the undercard of Nathan Cleverly’s world title fight against Juergen Braehmer on April 2nd. Mitchell (33-1 23KO’s) is coming off his only loss to the world-class Michael Katsidis, who knocked Mitchell out last May. Murray (30-0 18KO’s) holds the longest undefeated record for a British fighter at this current time, and is looking to earn a world title shot in 2011.
John Murray
Paul McCloskey – bigger draw than John Murray?
By Shaun Campbell: Undefeated light-welterweight champion Paul McCloskey (22-0 12ko’s) is set to face WBA champion Amir Khan on the April 16th in an ‘all-British encounter’. There was talk of Khan facing Timothy Bradley in a unification bout, or Junior Witter who said he was willing to move back down to 10 stone to face Khan.
Khan likely to fight lightweight John Murray next
By William Mackay: WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) is reportedly close to signing to fight undefeated EBU lightweight champion John Murray (30-0, 18 KO’s) on April 16th at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England. This is the perfect opponent for Khan, at least in terms of Murray being slow, small, inexperienced and well known in England. However, it’s horrible choice if you were to be looking at competitive fights, because Murray fights in a division below Khan, and still hasn’t faced one top tier opponent yet during his eight year pro career.
John Murray: Where next for Manchester’s Next Big thing?
By Ben Newell: Boxing is a sport for which the requisite attributes seem pretty obvious. Often a fighter possesses great hand speed or footwork, while others focus on their sheer power in landing their big “bombs”. There can be the heart of a champion too, and even the sharpness of mind to show the real art behind the “sweet science”. But perhaps, one thing many people don’t recognise is the patience needed outside the ring. Bouts can fall through, promoters may fail to deliver and it can end in months of uncertainty and inactivity. Yes, patience is vital. And it’s something Manchester’s John Murray has had to learn all about.
Khan could face John Murray next
By Sean McDaniel: Unbeaten EBU lightweight champion John Murray (30-0, 18 KO’s) is being looked at as a potential opponent for World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) on April 16th at the M.E.N. Arena, in Manchester, England. Khan’s promoter Richard Schaefer has also been looking at Paul McCloskey and Lamont Peterson.
John Murray could fight Katsidis or Kevin Mitchell in 2011, but not Juan Manuel Marquez
By William Mackay: Number #4 ranked WBC lightweight contender and current European Boxing Union (EBU) lightweight champion John Murray (30-0, 18 KO’s) could be facing Michael Katsidis or Kevin Mitchell in 2011. Murray is looking for better things this year and would like to challenge WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez for his titles. However, that’s not likely to happen as the 26-year-old Murray still doesn’t have a big enough name and isn’t ranked high enough to make Marquez take notice and want to go after the fight.
Is there a case for John Murray to face Juan Diaz?
By Shaun Campbell: European lightweight champion John Murray (30-0 18ko’s) is looking for a new opponent and a step up to world level. Although Murray is probably not quite ready for the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Katsidis or Robert Guerrero, it is clear he deserves a chance to fight at the top level. Murray is the type of fighter that needs good opponents to bring out the best of his, and it is widely thought that we still haven’t seen the best out of him. Many believe him to be a one dimensional, come forward brawler with no head movement. This view is usually adopted by those who have seen one, or maybe two of his fights. Ricky Hatton was also cursed with the same sort of view.
Kotelnik a possibility for Victor Ortiz instead of John Murray
By Eric Thomas: According to the latest boxing news, top rated light welterweight contender Victor Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 KO’s) may be fighting former WBA light welterweight champion Andriy Kotelnik (31-4, 13 KO’s) on the undercard of the Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana championship fight on December 11th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
John Murray might as well fight Victor Ortiz: It may be his one shot at fame
By William Mackay: Golden Boy Promotions wants to get EBU lightweight champion John Murray 30-0, 18 KO’s) to fight on their December 11th fight card with Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas, Nevada. Murray, 25, would be facing light welterweight knockout artist Victor Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 KO’s) in a bout that might end up being more exciting than the Khan-Maidana fight. But there’s confusion whether Murray’s management are willing to put him in a difficult fight like the one that Golden Boy wants to put him in.
John Murray wants to make a name for himself agaisnt Khan, Marquez or Katsidis
By Sean McDaniel: EBU lightweight champion John Murray (30-0, 18 KO’s) wants the big fights against fighters like Amir Khan, Juan Manuel Marquez, Humberto Soto and Michael Katsidis after toiling away for the past seven years in the pro ranks. Murray, 25, will likely be getting a title shot in the near future against either Soto or the winner of the Marquez-Katsidis bout. However, Murray is being lured into fighting on the undercard of Khan’s December 11th card against twice beaten light welterweight contender Victor Ortiz.