Unbeaten Cavan star Andy Murray is hoping to gatecrash the world title scene this Saturday with a win over World number 14 Claudinei “Volcano” Lacerda when they meet in the main event of the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort in Mayo. The fight is live on RTÉ TWO as European number 3 Murray puts his 22 fight unbeaten record on the line against Lacerda, a 30 year old Brazilian who is the reigning WBO Latino champ.
“It's definitely my toughest fight to date,” revealed Murray. “I've watched a few of Lacerda's fights and he's strong, aggressive and he looks to be a puncher but I can't wait for Saturday now. These are the kind of fights you really look forward to and it's live on RTÉ which is an added bonus because it really helps to boost your profile.”
Murray's name has been linked with a possible European title clash with his namesake, John Murray from Manchester and the Irish Murray says it's a clash he'd relish. “I'll be ready for that fight if and when it comes. I'm number 3 in Europe so I'm knocking at the door and as soon as it opens I'll be ready to take my chance but at the moment Lacerda is the only guy I'm focused on. He's World rated so this is a chance for me to make an impact on the world scene so it's a big night for me.
“I boxed in the Breaffy House once before and ironically enough that was against another Brazilian, Wellington DeJesus and I stopped him in the first so maybe that's a good omen for me.”
Last time out Murray had an impressive points win over veteran dangerman Johnny Nolasco and he believes that fight has improved his game. “You can only learn from being in with guys like Nolasco because they have all that experience and are very crafty. I felt comfortable enough in there, I was trying different things in the fight, some worked, some didn't but it was a good learning fight for me. I'm always conscious that when you step up in level it's important that you apply pressure but without being reckless and leaving yourself open and that's why I tried to do against Nolasco.”
In the chief supporting contest on Saturday Irish featherweight Champ, Patrick Hyland takes on Italian based Albanian, Suat Laze in a bout that pits the European number 12 (Hyland) and the Euopean number 14 (Laze).
The two fights will be live on RTÉ TWO's Pro Box Live from 9:30pm on Saturday with a total of 9 fights on the card including hard hitting heavyweight action featuring Martin “Iron Man” Rogan and Mike “The Rebel” Perez while the West will also be strongly represented with John Waldron, Henry Coyle, Finbarr Eade and Darren Cruise also in action.
Waldron will defend his Irish Light Heavyweight title in the first ever Irish title fight in Connaught as he looks to avenge a 2008 defeat to Belfast's Ciaran Healy.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night: Young Guns priced from €40, €50, €60 and €80 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719300 and all usual outlets.
LINDSAY’S CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING
MARTIN LINDSAY will make the second defence of his British featherweight title against John Simpson at King’s Hall, Belfast on Wednesday 15th December.
Lindsay’s (17-0) hometown fight against Scotland’s former British and Commonwealth champion promises to be an explosive fight at the world famous venue.
Promoter Frank Maloney: “I know John won the title more than 18 months ago, but most British fighters have been running scared.
“He is now ranked number one challenger for the European title and could soon be made official contender for Sofiane Takoucht’s title.”
Simpson, 27, lost the British title to Paul Appleby in June 2008, the man Lindsay took the title from in April 2009.
But the Greenock battler (21-7) is a top quality operator and still seething after losing his Commonwealth crown to Stephen Smith on a controversial decision last month.
Maloney added: “John was very unlucky to see the decision go against him when he boxed Smith, but proved how ambitious he is.”
In the chief support, Oldham based Mongolian Shinny Bayaar will defend his British flyweight title against unbeaten Liverpool prospect Paul Edwards.
Tickets for Maloney’s spectacular show are avai;able priced £25, £35 and 55 from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508
HARRISON OFFERED PRICE FIGHT
AUDLEY HARRISON has been offered a showdown against Britain’s top heavyweight prospect David Price
Promoter Frank Maloney believes public enemy number one Harrison is an ideal opponent for undefeated Olympic bronze medallist David Price with his name.
And he intends contacting the 2000 Olympic champion's promoter Barry Hearn with a view to making the fight next year.
Maloney said: “Price is the best heavyweight in the world and the L-plates are off for him from now.
“I am willing to make Audley an offer to fight him and when David beats him we will be rid of Harrison for good.
“It would also be the first time two of Britain’s Olympic medallists have ever clashed professionally.”
Liverpool’s Price, 27, has received little attention since turning professional in March 2009, but has reeled off eight wins opponents.
Maloney added: “There will be no moaning about the level of opposition he faces next year.”
“David is 6ft 8in tall and can become Britain’s answer to the Klitschko brothers.
“He is getting better and better and will benefit from top class sparring I am organising in America.”
Maloney even believes that Price could be in world title contention by the end if 2011.
He added: “I am also looking at finding three decent American opponents for David and then putting him in a world title eliminator.
“The Haye-Harrison fight has left a sour taste, but David is going to get the nation back in love with boxing."
