Boxing News Boxing News
British Lightweight champion John Murray will be at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich tonight to keep a close eye on European champ, Jon Thaxton, as he makes the first defence of his title against Anthony Mezzache.
Murray will be providing expert analysis for ITV4, who are broadcasting the Hennessy Sports show live from 7:45pm, and he will have a keen interest in the main event as local hero Thaxton looks to see off the challenge of French champ Mezzache.
Thaxton was behind the microphone himself last month as Murray made an impressive first defence of his British title against Lee McAllister. Now Murray will return the favour tomorrow night with the European number two clearly fancying a shot at Thaxton.
“That would be a great fight if it happens,” said Thaxton. “I’ve lot of respect for John, he’s a great young fighter and he was very impressive last month. I’ve no problem with that fight, I’ll carry on defending my European title against whoever is put in front of me be it John Murray or anyone else. At the end of my career nobody will be able to say Jon Thaxton ducked anyone so if Mick Hennessy can line that fight up then we’ll get it on.”
But first, Thaxton has to get past Mezzache and while he’s confident, he admits that it will be no easy task. “I’ve done my homework on him and he’s a very tough, durable guy,” said Thaxton.
“He’s a former world kick boxing champ as well and he has quite an awkward, elusive style, so it might take me a little while to get to him so I’ll have to be patient.”
The undercard to Thaxton vs. Mezzache features heavyweight sensation, Tyson Fury, and Norwich’s Danny McIntosh defending his English Light Heavyweight title against Matthew Barney.
Also in action are Matthew Thirlwall, Steve O’Meara, Lee Purdy and Earl Ling with 2008 ABA champion Bradley Evans making his pro debut.
Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
