By Terence Dooley

Manchester’s ‘Genius’ Joe Murray is on the lookout for a new opponent after Chris Male pulled out of their February 4th English featherweight title fight due to a shoulder injury.  Ironically, Male had been lined up to face Murray in Newport last November only for that bout to be rescheduled when the bill was nixed, the undefeated 29-year-old will now have to wait for another crack at the English belt.

“I threw a left hook and landed on my sparring partners right arm and it shot my shoulder out of the joint,” said Male, 11-0 (2), when speaking to Halesowen News.  “Initially we thought it might be ok but the next day I was in a lot pain and went to Russells Hall Hospital.  I’ve been told I need at least six weeks rest and I’m hoping it is just a muscle strain and nothing more serious.  It’s devastating but ultimately that’s the way the sport goes sometimes.”

Joe Gallagher, the trainer of Murray, has told his charge to continue working hard in the gym whilst waiting on word of a new opponent.  Murray, 11-0 (5), has not fought since June, a twelve round decision win over James Ancliffe for the IBF Youth title.  However, the 25-year-old 2008 Olympian is likely to keep his spot on the Scott Quigg versus Jamie Arthur-headlined bill as he seeks to open his 2012 account.

Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk or Twitter @Terryboxing.

Tags: Joe Murray