26.10.05 – It takes a big man to step into the shoes of Herbie Hide. Step forward John Murray. The super featherweight sensation will showcase his talents to an International audience after leaping at an offer from his promoter Mick Hennessy to provide the British interest on this Saturday’s promotion at the Lac Leamy Casino in Quebec, following Hide’s decision to withdraw.
The event heralds the return of live boxing to British Eurosport, which will be broadcasting three hours of action from the bill in Canada on this side of the pond in Saturday night prime time.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Murray, who flew out from Heathrow yesterday. “I had no hesitation in accepting the chance to fight in Canada. I am really looking forward to showing them what I can do.”
The 20-year-old Murray, who has strung together 14 impressive wins – has earned himself a reputation as one of the hottest talents in British boxing with his all action box-fighter style, remarkable composure and attitude.
“John just wants to fight,” explained Mick Hennessy. “All he cares about is proving himself. When I mentioned this possibility to him he jumped at it, no questions asked. His whole approach is very refreshing, particularly given his age.”
Murray takes on the 30-year-old Tyrone Wiggins over eight rounds in the show opener of the British Eurosport broadcast that commences at 8pm. Three hours of high quality boxing content follows, which will also include live coverage of local favourites Otis Grant and Jean Pascal.
Grant, the WBC #1 ranked super middleweight, takes on the dangerous Donnell Wiggins over ten rounds. Victory will see him move a step closer to completing a remarkable story.
In 1999 the former WBO champion was lucky to escape from a car crash with his life and was told that he would never box again, so took up a career as a teacher. Six years later and he stands on the verge of fighting for another world title, after returning to the gym in 2003 to prove the doctors wrong.
Undefeated middleweight Jean Pascal, who won gold at the commonwealth games in 2002, takes on former world title challenger James Crawford over eight. Expect fireworks; hot prospect Pascal has stopped six of his seven opponents.
There will also be comprehensive analysis of all the action from a live studio that features presenter Matt Smith, journalist Colin Hart and British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Carl Froch.
WBC #8 Froch will be particularly keen to talk about Grant given that a match-up between the pair is being mooted for next year. The form lines are easy to draw; Froch has outperformed the Canadian against common opponents Henry Porras and Mark Woolnough. Both also hold distance wins over teak tough Ghanaian Charles Adamu.
British Eurosport’s commitment to this event underlines their recently stated intention to support boxing at all levels. They will also be providing live coverage of the World Amateur Championships from China next month.
See Murray, Grant and Pascal live on British Eurosport, Saturday 29th October from 8pm.