John Murray says he will "live like a monk" ahead of his WBO InterContinental title fight against Kevin Mitchell next month.

The Manchester-based undefeated European lightweight champion made that promise following a remarkable public plea by trainer Joe Gallagher.

Gallagher wants the public to act as his eyes and ears and watch over Murray for the next six weeks, so he does not get into any bad habits.

Murray responded: "I am going to push myself to the limit because I need to be in top shape if I am going to do a real good job on Kevin, which is what I expect.

"I will go to the gym, then to my mum's house, eat, sleep and run. I will be like a machine for the next six weeks. But you have to live like a monk.

"I am hoping this is the year I make it and get a world title shot. That's what I need. I need to be world champion. That's been the dream since I turned pro."

The fight against Mitchell is scheduled for July 9 at the Excel Arena and Gallagher told the Manchester Evening News: "He needs to be tactically and - crucially - physically in top shape or he can kiss goodbye to the world title shot we've worked so hard to get.

"So if any of his so-called friends fancy a night out between now and July 9, do me a favour and don't even bother calling John.

"Likewise if John calls you bored one night, remind him how hard he has worked to get this far. If he fancies a pizza or some other junk food, tell him 'No'."

"It might sound harsh, but that's the way it's got to be."

Mitchell claims he is a different person now to the one who lost his unbeaten record to Michael Katsidis last month.

Mitchell said: "I knew I could beat this kid but I had a lot of family issues going on at the time. I've never had that problem in my whole career.

"I had a lot of things on my mind, I was missing out on training sessions and I was hardly running.

"I should have been mature and pulled out of the fight. If I had been beaten by a better man I would hold my hands up but that was not the case.

"I've got myself sorted out and I've been happy, been good. Things happen for a reason and I know what I am capable of doing."