20th July 2006 – Undefeated, Manchester super featherweight sensation John Murray is relishing his impending British title aspirations against Ricky Burns and new champion, Carl Johanneson.After a six-month break, Murray recently re-acquainted himself to winning ways with a clinical win against Billy Smith. The win sets Murray up nicely for his British title final eliminator against Ricky Burns in October..
“That was a good tune up, not many people stop Billy Smith but I broke him down. It’s got me hungry for Burns and I can’t wait for that fight,” said Murray.
“It’ll be great to represent Hennessy Sports against Burns especially as a shot at the British title is the reward. I know that the entire stable is looking forward to it and they are all going to get behind me.
“This will be the third time Hennessy Sports and Sports Network have gone head to head. “Lenny Daws wiped the floor with Nigel Wright and in my eyes Lee Meager easily beat Danny Hunt. It is testament that Lee is now British champion.
“So I’ll be looking to continue the winning record and make it three nil.”
Murray then detailed his training schedule for the forthcoming Burns showdown.
“I’ll be getting the best possible training for Burns. I’ll be spending four weeks down at the London gym with my trainer Joe Gallagher; the sparring is easily the best in the UK.
“I’m not taking the fight for granted but I’m going to cut Burns in two to get my shot at the title and then I’m headhunting Johanneson.”
Murray is confident that neither boxer can stop his title aspirations
“I think the Alex Arthur result flattered Burns- he just survived. Murray versus Burns is a no contest- Burn’s is getting stopped in October.
“Then I’m going to be all over Johanneson for his title. The clock has already started ticking for his mandatory- the title won’t be his for long!
“Carl did well against Billy but I think the stoppage was premature. It’s well known that Corcoran thrives in those situations but the ref gave him no chance. Let’s not forget that Billy had just hurt Johanneson with a straight right.
“It’s going to be a different story for Carl when we face off- I’m going to be bull strong at the weight.”
Murray can only see a one-way power exchange with Johanneson.
“I didn’t see any power punching by Johanneson that could hurt me. But I’ll be unloading my guns on him and sending the bullets with VAT when we meet.”
“The British title is mine,” he confidently concluded.
Promoter Mick Hennessy was equally confident of his young charge.
“John is an tremendous prospect and I think he’s going to prove to be a huge star,” said Hennessy.
“He’s from Manchester, and he’s based in Manchester.
“And I am sure that when he starts headlining Manchester shows, the crowds will follow.
“I was really pleased with how John boxed Billy Smith after six months out. He’s got a brilliant jab and used it well to break Smith down.
“John is developing into a classy box fighter, I think it’s a credit to his trainer Joe Gallagher. Joe and John work really well together.
“I’m confident that John will win the British title. He’s already showed hi s pedigree when he won the Mendoza fight. People played down John’s achievements in winning the WBC Youth World title. But Mendoza was a dangerous operator who would take care of a lot the domestic players in this country.”