By James Slater: The word is, World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champ Robert “Bam Bam” Rios will definitely fight on the December 3rd Margarito-Cotto rematch card in New York – the only question is who he will defend against.
There were reportedly a couple or three names in the frame, but the latest news suggests once-beaten British warrior John Murray is the leading candidate to get the shot. According to both Dan Rafael and Ringtv.com, the respective promoters have been talking, and former European champ Murray, 31-1(18) “is being considered.”
If Murray does get the fight, there is likely to be some moaning from certain fans. After all, the 26-year-old from Manchester lost his last fight (in a great fight with London’s Kevin Mitchell, Murray being stopped in the 8th back in July). And he now gets rewarded with a world title shot? Yes, some moans and groans will be heard. Interestingly, Mitchell was also being considered as a challenger for the ultra-exciting Rios – and even then some fans complained.
But taking the negatives on board, a Rios-Murray fight might well prove to be a nice little slugfest. Murray was out-boxed by Mitchell, against the more straight ahead, ‘let’s have a war’ approach of Rios, 28-0-1(21), Murray would perhaps have more of a chance of winning. Immensely strong physically, Murray would give it his all against Rios, that’s for sure.
No way would I go as far as to say Murray would score the upset and beat Rios, but we could get to see a Hagler-Hearns type rumble if we’re really lucky. For some fans this possibility will not be enough: their argument being a title challenger should have a genuine shot at wining, not just of making the fight exciting while it lasts. But, as some posters on this site have said with regards to another young fighter getting an unexpected title crack: no-one in their right mind ever turns down such a golden opportunity.
Do not have a go at Murray and his team if the fight with Rios is made. Besides, as a support bout to a huge main event that has a stellar under-card already, Rios-Murray isn’t such a bad idea. Murray is an experienced fighter who has boxed in America before – maybe he will rise to the occasion and fight the fight of his life on Dec. 3rd?