Boxing News Boxing News
British Lightweight Champion John Murray believes that next season could be a big one for his beloved Manchester City and mirror his own personal ambitions in the boxing ring.
The unbeaten 24-year-old makes the second defence of his Lonsdale belt against reigning English Champion, Scott Lawton on Hennessy Sports “Rule Britannia” event at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan this Saturday (June 13th).
The fight is live on ITV4 and Lawton who hails from Stoke believes he can replicate the Potteries 1 – 0 win over Manchester City from their premiership game at the Britannia Stadium earlier this year.
Murray however is aiming for a result more in line with the 3 – 0 thrashing that City gave the Potteries club when they visited the City of Manchester Stadium back in October.
“It was one game a piece in the premier league this season so it’s up to me and Scott to have the decider in the boxing ring,” said Murray. “Stoke did well this season and they really surprised a lot of people at how good they were coming up from the championship and I’m sure Scott Lawton will be out to surprise a few people as well.
“We’ve sparred together before and he’s a very good fighter and I won’t be underestimating him but I’ve sparred good pro’s like Paul Truscott and Peter McDonagh for this one and I’ve felt really sharp so training couldn’t have gone any better.”
Murray believes that next season could see Manchester City break the stranglehold of the big four in the premiership while he’ll be looking to make major moves in his own career over the coming months.
“Hopefully next season will be a big one for City, they’re certainly not afraid to get the cheque book out and I think they’ll be busy in the transfer market over the summer. I think with the right team we can qualify for the Champions League next season.”
Murray has European ambitions of his own and is targeting a European title shot before the end of the year. “I’ve got to get past Saturday night first but then I’m hoping to fight Jon Thaxton in September and a win there should line me up for a European title fight before the end of the year.”
Murray watched Thaxton lose his European title to Anthony Mezaache in February and he is desperate for a crack at the Frenchman’s title.
“I’d fight Mezaache tomorrow because the European title is a belt I really want,” said Murray. “Winning that gets you highly rated with the World bodies and that would set me up for a World title shot next year so it could be an exciting 12 months.”
The John Murray – Scott Lawton British Lightweight title fight headlines a big night of boxing at the Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Saturday, June 13th. Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury will have his seventh professional outing while in a battle of Champions, Central Area title holder Nadeem Siddique takes on Southern Area Champ, Tom Glover.
Hot prospects Steve “Super Bad” Barnes and Phill Fury also feature alongside the pro debut of Bobby “Boogaloo” Ward, the last Englishman to defeat Amir Khan. Exciting puncher Andrew Singh Kooner completes the line-up.
Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
