MARTIN MURRAY has told arch domestic rival Darren Barker to prove himself as the best in Britain before taking on the world’s best.
Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn is in talks for Barker to face World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight title holder Sergio Martinez this autumn.
But WBA ranked number four Murray believes the Londoner should face him before launching his world assault.
Murray attempts to become British middleweight champion on Saturday (June 18) when he meets Nick Blackwell for the vacant crown at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena.
The popular St Helens boxer said: “I know Darren is European champion, but he has had just two fights in 18 months and his promoter is talking about him facing Martinez.
“Never mind a world title for Darren, let’s find out who is the best in Britain after I take care of Blackwell.
“First Matthew Macklin ducked out of fighting me on the Amir Khan-Paul McCloskey bill. I hope Barker is made of stronger stuff!”
Murray’s promoter Ricky Hatton would gladly discuss a fight against Barker once Saaturday’s stern test against Blackwell is done and dusted.
‘The Hitman’ added: “Martin is ready. I would put him in with anyone.
“I remember the great fight I had with Jonathan Thaxton to decide who held the bragging rights in Britain, before I moved onto to world titles.”
Murray will also be risking his Commonwealth crown and WBA inter-continental title against Trowbridge’s Blackwell.
Murray added: “I could carry on the way I am going and get a WBA world title fight but I want the best here first and that means facing Barker.”
On the same bill British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla challenges Ghanaian southpaw Osumanu Akaba for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) inter-continental lightweight title.
British Olympian Joe Murray boxes for his first professional title in his 11th fight meeting Georgian George Gachechiladze for the IBF international featherweight title.
Prospects on the undercard include Adam Little who faces Junior Thompson and Chris Male who will be tested by Dai Davies.
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222
New Haven Six to be showcased June 18 on ‘The New Generation Boxing Series’ in Hartford
HARTFORD (June 13, 2011) – Undefeated, highly-regarded junior featherweight Luis Rosa, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs) lead the New Haven Six into the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford this Saturday night, launching “The New Generation Boxing Series,” presented by Bulldog Cartel Promotions, Saturday night, June 18 at.
“This new series is all about Connecticut boxers fighting at home,” said former pro boxer and new Bulldog Cartel promoter Craig Salamone. “There are a lot of talented, young boxers in this state and our goal is to get them fighting at home on a regular basis in order for them to build fan-bases. We have six New Haven-based fighters on this show and our plans call for us to promote our next show in New Haven later this summer.”
The eight-round main event features two veteran cruiserweights sporting deceiving records, Joshua “Juice” Harris (7-4-1, 5 KOs), of Providence, and Harvey “Candy Man” Jolly (11-17-1, 6 KOs).
Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Javier “El Chino” Flores (5-0, 5 KOs), now fighting out of Hartford, takes on veteran Shaka Moore (11-15-3, 2 KOs), of Norwalk, in the eight-round co-feature.
Rosa, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), who recently signed a promotional contract DiBella Entertainment, takes on dangerous Shawn “Bones” Nichol (5-4, 5 KOs) in a six-round bout. As a heralded amateur boxer, Rosa was a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion and 2009 USA Boxing National Championship silver medalist, which earned him a spot on the US National Boxing Team.
New Haven favorites such as lightweight Oscar Bonilla, junior featherweight Josh Crespo and super middleweight Charles Foster will all be making their pro debuts in four-round matches, respectively, versus Corey White (1-1, 1 KO) and a pro debuting pair of opponents, Frankie Garriga and Lee Snow.
Two other New Haven boxers are slated to be in action June 18: junior welterweight Carlos Hernandez (0-2) and undefeated super lightweight Christian Lao (2-0, 1 KOs), who will square-off, respectively, against Barrington Douse (0-1) and Javier Calderon (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Former world light middleweight champion Vincent “The Ambassador” Pettway will be working the corners of Jolley and Snow.
Tickets are priced at $80.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission) and available to purchase by going on line to www.WorldClassTickets.com, at the Connecticut Convention Center box office, and calling 860.759.8898 or 203.889.1222.
Team Puerto Rico Participates in Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York
Yesterday, members of Team Puerto Rico Boxing participated in the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Walking the route to the loud cheers of the huge crowd were NABA Welterweight Champion Thomas Dulorme (12-0, 10 KO’s), José “Sniper” Pedraza (3-0, 3 KO’s), NABA Featherweight Champion Luis “Orlandito” del Valle (13-0. 10 KO’s) and Kenny “Battlestar” Galarza (15-1, 14 KO’s).
By participating in the parade, Team Puerto Rico celebrated their perfect sweep of victories over the strongest opponents of their careers by dancing to the beat of salsa, merengue and afro Cuban beats.
“It was a great experience to share with my people. I never had the opportunity to participate in the parade, I really liked it and want to go back,” said an enthusiastic Dulorme.
Last Friday, on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Dulorme had the biggest win of his career by beating the former world champion Marcus Corley by unanimous decision in a 10-round fight.
Super prospect Jose Pedraza said, “I will never forget this experience. Puerto Ricans in New York are very good people and I want to go back next year and be with them again.”
This was the best way to end a very special week for us. Team Puerto Rico each had strong tests and each won and demonstrated their world-class skills, “said Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions.
More on Team Puerto Rico:
Team Puerto Rico Boxing is comprised of the decorated fighters: César “Junito” Seda, Jr. (20-1, 15ko’s), José “Sniper” Pedraza (2-0, 2KO’s), Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10KO’s), Jonathan “Butter” Gonzalez (13-0, 13KO’s), Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0, 10KO’s), Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9KO’s), Kenny “Battlestar” Galarza (14-1 , 14KO’s) and Jorge “Machito” Maysonet (3-0, 2KO’s).
Team Puerto Rico was developed by promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella, Javier Bustillo and Leon Margules in order to group the best young talent in Puerto Rico on one team. For more information, please visit www.teampuertoricoboxing.com.