Manchester ace John Murray is hoping a solid win on April 2 propels him towards a shot at long-term WBC World Lightweight champion Humberto Soto – and the chance to finally get his hands on a world title. Murray is currently ranked number two with the WBC, and is also inside the top 15 with the IBF and WBO. A KO victory against champion Karim El Ouazghari could boost his rating even further. The pair clash at Bethnal Green’s York Hall in Murray’s first fight for promoter Frank Warren, live on Sky Sports 1HD..
And undefeated Mancunian Murray is also looking to boost his Ring Magazine rating of number six.
“I’d love a world title shot this year,” said current European champion Murray.
“I’m not worried about facing any of the champions out there.
“Soto’s got a great record but if I want to win a world title then I’m going to have to beat the best.
“I’ve worked very hard for my rating with the WBC, and I want to get in a position where I can force a fight as mandatory challenger.
“It’s great that the world governing bodies are beginning to recognise my talent because I’ve always believed in myself. Now other people are sitting up and taking notice too.
“I really believe that I am ready for anyone in the world right now, including Ring Magazine number one Juan Manuel Marquez.”
Tickets, priced at £40 and £60, are available from the Frank Warren Promotions Box Office on 01992 550 888 or online at www.frankwarren.tv
MALONEY: MUNROE WILL FACE BOOTH
FRANK MALONEY is planning a clash between close pals Rendall Munroe and Jason Booth this summer.
The mouth-watering clash will take place providing Booth is successful in his European super-bantamweight against Kiko Martinez in Madrid on April 15.
Munroe return to action an eight rounder against Chris Riley at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday April 9 – his first fight since losing on points to WBC 122lb champion Toshiaki Nishioka in October.
Provided the Leicester binman beats Riley he expects to become official challenger for the European crown he once held.
Maloney explained: “It is a fight that Jason and Rendall have been reluctant to talk about let alone contemplate.
“They except that business is business and there is now a real possibility that will have to face each other in the near future.
“Rendall wants to win back his old crown and Jason will not want to relinquish once he beats Martinez.”
“And with both boys from the East Midlands it would attract tremendous interest in the region.”
In the Houghton-le-Spring bill topper Darlington’s Stuey Hall (10-0-1) risks his British bantamweight title against Liverpool’s John Donnelly (12-1)
Hall won the British crown against Ian Napa and will win a Lonsdale belt outright if he makes a successful third defence against scouser Donnelly.
Tickets priced £30 and £65 are available 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com.
£40 TICKETS SOLD OUT FOR BIG O2 SHOW
Tickets are selling fast for Frank Warren’s blockbuster show at the O2 Arena on Saturday 21st May with £40 tickets now sold out.
Welsh star Nathan Cleverly headlines with his challenge against WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Juergen Braehmer, and chief support is the grudge fight between British Super-Middleweight Champion James DeGale and Commonwealth Champion George Groves, which is heating up to be the most explosive all-British fight in recent years.
The rest of the undercard will be announced shortly.
Ticket in the other price brackets are going fast and are priced at:
£500 – Ringside
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor/Tier
£100 – Tier
£80 – Tier
£50 – Tier
To purchase tickets go to:
THE O2
+44 (0) 844 856 0202 or www.theO2.co.uk
Disabled booking line: +44 (0) 208 463 3359
SEE TICKETS
+44 (0) 871 620 7054 or www.seetickets.com