Murray “I will shine in 2009”
British lightweight champion John Murray is aiming to make an early impression in 2009 and he believes he will become one of Britain’s new boxing stars this year.
The Manchester lightweight defends his British crown against Lee McAllister at the Robin Park Centre in Wigan on Saturday, 17th January 2009 in a fight that will be shown live on ITV4.
The Hennessy Sports show also features British boxing’s new biggest star, Manchester heavyweight Tyson Fury, who will have his second professional fight after an impressive knockout pro debut in December.
Murray makes the first defence of his British Title after winning the vacant belt by stopping former British champion and fellow Hennessy Sports boxer Lee Meager in July.
The unbeaten 24-year-old trained all over Christmas and New Year, so is in the mood to make challenger McAllister pay for ruining his festive period.
"2009 could be a massive year for me," said Murray.
"I can’t wait for this first defence. I want to show people what I’m made of and McAllister is going to pay for ruining my Christmas as I had to train all over it.
"Lee’s a quality operator and he’s worked hard to deserve his chance as mandatory challenger. He has built up a good record and following up there in Aberdeen and I hope a few of them come down on the night of the fight to make it a crackling atmosphere.
"I’ve trained all over Christmas and New Year for this, but the sacrifices make me even hungrier, and McAllister is going to get it for ruining my Christmas.
"If you want to make it to the top you need to do it and show your dedication, so I had no problem training on Christmas Day and staying in on New Year’s Eve.
"I’m looking to have a busy year and show everyone what I’m made of. I’m looking to be European champion by this time next year."
Tickets are available via the Ticketline Box Office on 0871 424 4444 or the web
on www.ticketline.co.uk
MALONEY: I'll BE BRITAIN'S TOP DOG IN 2009
FRANK MALONEY insists he can become Britain's number one promoter this year.
The Londoner celebrates 25 years as a promoter in 2009. The rollercoaster ride has taken him from Lewisham to Las Vegas.
Maloney believes his current talent stacked stable is the most exciting crop he has ever had.
Many top fight figures believe Maloney's super-middleweight hope Darren Sutherland is the hottest prospect in world boxing.
His stable also boasts European champions Ian Napa (bantamweight), Rendall Munroe (super-bantamweight) and he expects to make it a Euro hat-trick in March when Salford light-middleweight Jamie Moore challenges Italian Michele Piccirillo.
Maloney admits old sparring partner Frank Warren is still the main man but does not agree with his rival's comments about his galaxy of stars becoming household names
Maloney said: "I am a great believer that if one or two of your stable make it beyond British level it is a fantastic achievement.
"I believe I have enough fighters in my stable that can become British champions, but in today's world that doesn't impress sports editors.
"I believe Darren Sutherland, Jamie Moore, Rendall Munroe and Ian Napa can go that step further and make headlines in 2009.
I also expect to see Ajose Olusegun fighting for major honours this year.
"There are several other fighters in my stable also going in the right direction like Akaash Bhatia, Mark Thompson, John Lewis Dickinson, Ashley Sexton, Paul Edwards, Scott Haywood, Tom Dallas, Martin Murray and Mark Moran. I would crack open a dozen bottles of champagne if one of these claim a real World Title and a bottle for each that challenges for a real World Title. This is what the public want and demand from boxing promoters.
I believe I have a few others who are currently works in progress and I believe in Larry Olubamiwo I may have discovered another Ernie Shavers
"I still believe I need one more top fighter to complete my jigsaw and become Britain's number one promoter."
Maloney who staged his first show in 1984 will celebrate his quarter of a century promoting with a traditional London knees-up in April..
He added: "Boxing is going through a change and only the fittest survive.
"I don't worry about all the Johnny Come Lately promoters. The men I respect are Frank Warren, Barry Hearn and Mick Hennessy who have consistently delivered.
Homecoming for Haughian
Stephen Haughian believes he’s ready to start chasing down major titles in 2009. The Co. Armagh boxer will look to take his career to the next level when he headlines a first ever pro fight night at the Craigavon Leisure Centre on Saturday, February 7th.
The Lurgan welterweight who trains out of John Breen’s Gym in Belfast is hoping to enjoy the same success in 2009 that gym mates Paul McCloskey and Martin Rogan enjoyed last year. Both ended 2008 on a high with McCloskey claiming the British Light Welterweight title and Rogan ending any remaining World title aspirations that Audley Harrison might have had.
“They say success breeds success and I certainly think that’s the case in the gym at the minute,” said Haughian. “Paul had a terrific win over Colin Lynes at short notice and I always fancied Martin to beat Harrison because of his attitude.
“He just loves a challenge and everyone in the gym is the same. The two lads are proof that is you put the work in the rewards can come your way so they’ve definitely been an inspiration to me.”
Haughian has compiled an impressive record of 16 wins from his 17 outings since turning professional in 2005. The sole blemish on his record remains a controversial points defeat to Giammario Grassellini for the IBF Intercontinental title at the Kings Hall in Belfast just over a year ago.
Haughian however reversed that result last time out by outpointing his Italian rival decisively on a Bernard Dunne undercard in November. Despite only recently turning 24 Haughian now feels he’s ready for the best in Britian.
“I’d like to think this year will be a big one for me. Obviously it’s getting off to the best possible start with me headlining my own show and after that I’ll be looking for an Irish or Celtic title. After that I’d love a crack at either the British or Commonwealth titles.”
Haughian’s promoter Brian Peters is confident of delivering those opportunities. “Stephen’s the mandatory challenger for the Celtic title so hopefully we can make that happen in the next few months. I’ve made repeated attempts to get Billy Walsh to defend his Irish welterweight title against Stephen but he’s obviously not interested. He’s been talking ridiculous money for an Irish title fight but I think he’s pricing himself out of the fight deliberately because he knows Stephen would be far too much for him.”
“Obviously the Irish title is something that Stephen would love to win but if we can’t make that fight then we’ll move on to the Celtic title and hopefully a British or Commonwealth title opportunity later in the year.”
Haughian’s trainer John Breen believes that his charge is more than capable of matching the achievements of his gym mates. “I’ve been saying for a long time that Stephen’s my secret weapon. He goes about his business quietly but I see him in the gym day in and day out and I believe he has the potential to be as good a fighter as I’ve ever worked with. I don’t see anyone out there in Britain to trouble him.”
Haughian’s February 7th date is essentially a hometown appearance for the Lurgan native and he says all his sacrifices over Christmas will be worthwhile for the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his own supporters.
“I only live a few miles from the venue so it will be as good as having the fight in my back garden. I’ve been training hard all over Christmas and there’s already a bit of a buzz around the place about it. Everyone’s really looking forward to it. The love their boxing here and when I fought in Lurgan a few years back the venue was too small and they actually had to turn people away at the door.
“My Dad runs the Phoenix amateur boxing club here and his shows are always packed as well so I think there going to be a great atmosphere next month. People can’t get enough of boxing here.
An action packed undercard will feature a host of Irish boxing’s finest talent. Former World title challenger and British Champion, Neil Sinclair will be looking to showcase his feared punching power while unbeaten Michael Kelly will be returning after a break of almost 3 years.
Undefeated in 6 pro starts the former Irish amateur champ says he’s hungrier than ever and wants to emulate the pro success of former amateur rival, Paul McCloskey.
Another man hungry for titles is Belfast’s Kevin O’Hara. By his own admission O’Hara’s career has yet to live up to expectations but with 14 wins from his 18 starts “Sweet Pea” knows that he has solid foundations to launch a fresh bid for titles in 2009.
Also on the card is popular Omagh prospect, Damian Taggart. The Tyrone man has been mentored by the county’s All Ireland winning football manager, Mickey Harte since turning pro just over a year ago and he’s hoping 2009 will be a massive year in his fledgling pro career.
Tickets priced £30, £40 and £60 are available from:
Stephen Haughian 07595672699
Maurice Haughian 07733413516
Woodville Arms 02838324005
Ashburn Hotel 02838325711
John Breen 07802898054
Breens Gym (above Monico Bar, Belfast) 02890278708
Neil Sinclair 07707971854
Damian Taggart 07746527958
Michael Kelly 0877618356
Coley Traynor 07779594007
Best Rate Bureau 02830252595
