By James Slater: Manchester warrior John Murray, 31-1(18) admits he was surprised when he got the call telling him he had the next shot at WBA lightweight Champ Brandon Rios; but the teak-tough 26-year-old promises he will absolutely make the most of his Dec. 3rd chance.
Murray, coming off a stoppage loss to fellow Brit Kevin Mitchell (in a thriller), is confident he will shock the odds when he gets in there with the unbeaten Rios.
Very kindly taking the time to speak with me today, the former British and European lightweight champ had the following things to say:
James Slater: It’s great to be able to speak with you, John. Obviously everyone’s talking about this huge fight you have coming up with Brandon Rios. It’s still quite a while away, but how has training been going so far for December 3rd?
John Murray: It’s been going really well. Obviously I’ve changed trainers; I split with Joe Gallagher – but the training couldn’t have gone any better. I’m really enthusiastic and I’m working on certain things in the gym. There were a lot of fighters at Joe’s gym, and even though we all work hard, he was so busy switching from fighter to fighter, certain technical things got left undone maybe. You know, Joe is a very busy man; with so many fighters to concentrate on. But now, at my new gym, I have one-on-one attention. I feel I’m improving and this is the best I’ve felt for a long time.
J.S: A lot of people seem to think Brandon Rios will be the next big thing. Do you rate him as highly, as the best lightweight out there – or do you think there may be a bit of hype attached to him?
J.M: I think he is ranked number-one; now that [Juan Manuel] Marquez has moved up. So yeah, he is regarded as the best. But style-wise, I think he’s perfect for me. I think this fight will be a cracking fight while it lasts. I’m so excited for this fight; I want to prove that I am world class.
J.S: Were you surprised when this fight came up, seeing as you did lose to Kevin Mitchell?
J.M: Yes, I was very surprised. I thought I’d be [left] in boxing wonderland, and have to go back to the drawing board – I didn’t know what Frank [Warren] would have for me. But I was back in the gym straight away, and I’d done five weeks in the gym when I found out about the [Rios] fight. As I say, I think this fight is perfect for me. Thursday I will start sparring and this fight has got my juices going. I feel like I’ve come out a winner [from the Mitchell defeat], in that I’ve changed trainers, got a new start and now this big world title chance. That loss has done a lot for me. If it wasn’t for that loss I’d still have the same attitude. But now I’ve learnt; I can’t just go in and take shots. I’ve got to pace myself. As I say, I’m working on things in the gym.
J.S: Is Rios as good as they say then? I know he’s a fighter you had on your radar even before the Mitchell fight was signed.
J.M: He’s very good, no doubt. He’s stopped his last ten, he hits hard and he puts his shots together. But he is a bit untested, as he’s yet to go 12-rounds. All I know is, I’ll prepare myself to be the very best I can be. I truly believe I can beat Rios. I’ve seen him over the years, on SKY and on You Tube, and I know what he’s all about. I’m so ready to go out there and shock everyone by winning this.
J.S: He has said he admires your style, in that you will give him a war. Do you feel this fight will be about who is toughest, as opposed to who is the better boxer? Will this be a battle of the toughest in your opinion?
J.M: Yeah. We’ll see who is the toughest. We both know what we’re about, we both out-tough our opponents. I’ve always come out on top in those type of fights apart from the last one, and I’ve always dreamt of having those Gatti-Ward, Barrera-Morales- type fights. I’ve always given the fans exciting fight and I can’t see why this one will be any different. I’ll be in tip-top shape for this fight.
J.S: Do you feel Rios may be underestimating you? He has already spoken of moving up to face guys like Marcos Maidana?
J.M: Possibly, but he’d be very unwise to do so. He’ll pay the price on the night if he has, because he’ll be shocked at how strong I am and how willing I am. I’ll be in his face all night long!
J.S: And you’ve fought in America before, so that’s no issue for you?
J.M: Not at all. My career’s been leading up to this fight; this type of chance. I’ve gone to the U.S before and I’ve had a practice run by fighting there. Now that I’m used to it, it will stand me in good stead for this fight; it won’t be anything new. Like I said, I’m ultra-confident for this fight. I know I’m a massive underdog, but I tell you, I’ll be worth every penny if you have a bet! I’m so sure I’m going to pull this off. I have no prediction, other than to say I’ll got for him. If a KO comes it comes, but I’ll be ready to fight 12 very hard rounds to win this.
J.S: Best of luck for the fight, John. It will go out on BoxNation?
J.M: That’s right.
J.S: You’ll score a great British away win – up there with Honeyghan-Curry, etc – if you can do this! Fingers crossed you’ll be bringing the WBA lightweight title home with you!
J.M: Thanks a lot mate.