Hennessy Sports have regrettably cancelled their promotion in Montreal on July 6th following the unfortunate withdrawal of John Murray from the headline contest.

The lightweight - who made history by becoming the first ever Brit to win a WBC World Youth Championship - was due to defend his title against tough Texan prospect Noel Rodriguez, but has been left unable to train after coming off his bike in training and sustaining a head injury.

It would have been the fourth occasion on which the 22-year old has competed on the other side of the pond. He impressively out-pointed Johnny Walker in Florida in August 2005, before stopping Tyrone Wiggins in Quebec just two months later. Most recently he stood out on the Mayweather-de la Hoya mega bill when stopping Lorenzo Bethea in seven.

His performances caught the eye of Showtime, making this withdrawal a double blow. The hallmark broadcaster was due to showcase the promotion live and coast-to-coast in America given that he was topping the bill.

“I’m devastated that I’ve had to pull out,” said Murray yesterday. “The fight would have gone live all over America on Showtime. That kind of exposure doesn’t come along too often for a British fighter.

“I was on a real high after winning in Vegas in May on such a big promotion. I had jumped straight back into training and was in excellent shape. I was really looking forward to building on my performance and then this happens. I’m gutted.”

The Joe Gallagher trained Mancunian is confident, however, that the setback is only temporary.

“I know Mick Hennessy worked hard to get me this platform,” Murray added. “I have absolute confidence that he will be able to get me the opportunity again. I know he is already working on trying to reschedule the fight with Showtime.

“I would like to thank Showtime for putting their faith in me. I understand they like my no-nonsense, exciting style and the next time I perform for them I won’t let them down. I will put on a show. I would also like to thank Adam Harris of Hennessy Sports Canada. I know he had put a lot of hard work into getting this event ready.”

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