Murray: Bring on the winner of Mitchell – Katsidis
Newly crowned European Lightweight champion John Murray has set his sights on an all British mega fight against WBO interim title challenger Kevin Mitchell later this year. After landing successive killer body shots with his hooks and uppercuts Murray proved far too strong for brave warrior Welshman Gary Buckland when the referee Marcus McDonnell stepped in and stopped the fight with 1 minute and 14 seconds remaining of the 11th round.
“Hats off to Gary, he is one tough fighter. I wish him all the best for the future; I believe he will be winning titles soon.” Murray said after his tough encounter.
Murray also claimed the Lonsdale belt outright at the Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes on Friday night live in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Manchester based Murray who has taken his record to 29 – 0 (17ko) believes he is ready to mix it with any lightweight in the world right now.
“Mitchell fights Katsidis this Saturday and there’s no reason why I can’t fight the winner, I believe I am capable of taking out either of these two in style” said Murray.
“I’ve won the European title and secured the Lonsdale belt outright and now want to start mixing with these guys. Both are strong warriors but I would love to fight either of them”
“I’m very proud to become European champion and I’ve done everything the right way. I’ve been WBC youth world title holder, Young Boxer of the Year, English and British champion and now European champion so the next step is world titles.”
To add to his achievements Murray was ranked number 10 in the Ring Magazine just over 3 weeks ago.
“It has been a great few weeks, in April I broke into the Ring Magazine’s top ten and now added the European belt to my collection, hopefully after a defence of my European title later this year I can secure a shot at a major World title.” Murray said.
Promoter Mick Hennessy said “John showed what a great all-round fighter his is on Friday as well as his ferocious trademark attacking style; he also showed great boxing ability. I believe he can beat whoever is put in front of him at World level.”
“I wouldn’t duck any fighter and neither would Mitchell, so if we can get this fight on it would prove who is the best lightweight in Britain and would also be a massive crowd pleaser for the fans.” added Murray
