Hennessy Boxing: British Champ Murray Calls Out Khan

John Murray says he’s ready, willing and able to step into Andreas Kotelnik’s boxing boots should the German based Ukrainian’s suffer any further injury problems ahead of his rescheduled world title clash with Amir Khan at the MEN Arena in Manchester on July 18th.

The undefeated Murray improved his perfect record to 27 and 0 last weekend with an impressive demolition of English Champion Scott Lawton and the Mancunian would be more than happy to make Bolton rival Khan victim number 28.

It was confirmed yesterday that Khan’s world title bid was being postponed for 3 weeks with the venue switched to the MEN Arena after Kotelnik withdrew from the original date at the O2 in London with a toothache.

“Boxing seems to be jinxed at the moment with fighters getting injured,” said Murray. “In the space of a couple of weeks you’ve had David Haye, Floyd Mayweather Jnr. and now Kotelnik having to postpone fights and I just want to make it clear that I’m willing to get in there with Amir if Kotelnik has any more problems.

“To be honest I know that the Manchester fans would be way more interested in seeing me and Khan getting on it than the Kotelnik fight anyway and it would pack out the MEN.

“What a night that would be. I think it would be up there with the likes of Benn and Eubank in terms of big British fights. I think our styles would really match up to make it a sensational scrap but ultimately I don’t think he’d be able to deal with my pressure, strength and power.”

Murray abandoned any post fight celebrations on Saturday after he was told that the Khan – Kotelnik fight was in doubt.

“I went home, watched the fight back and had an early night because I was told that Khan might be looking for a new opponent for the original June 27th date. My promoter Mick Hennessy told them that I’d be available for the 27th but they’ve rescheduled it now for July 18th but if Kotelnik has any more problems then I’ll be ready to step in for him.

“I’ve offered to fight Khan quite a few times over the years now but nothing’s ever come of it. He hasn’t even proved he’s the best fighter in his weight in Greater Manchester let alone Britain, Europe or the World.”

Khan recently said he rated Kotelnik as the worst World Champion in boxing and Murray believes it’s a fight that his rival can win as long as his chin holds up.

“Kotelnik’s nothing special,” said the 24-year-old. “He was a decent amateur and he’s tough and strong but Junior Witter beat him a few years back in a European title defence and I’ve never been overly impressed with Kotelnik any time I’ve seen him.

“Khan’s fast and flashy but he still makes so many mistakes and his chin is obviously suspect. Breidis Prescott needed less than a minute to prove that and anyone that catches Khan square on the chin with a half decent punch will probably knock him out.”