Joe Murray is Eager To Get Back into Action
By Terence Dooley
Olympian Joe Murray, younger brother of John, is looking forward to his third professional fight, which will take place on the Ricky Hatton-promoted show in Altrincham on August the 21st.
Murray, a featherweight, has fought twice this season, a debut points win over Sid Razak followed by Joe’s US debut - a points win over Missael Nunez - which took place on the undercard of Ricky Hatton versus Manny Pacquiao.
Joe, 22, floored Nunez with a right hand, only to then lose a point, and some momentum, when warned by referee Russell Mora for a minor infringement. Murray, though, is convinced that the his punch power is now coming through, the youngster told the Manchester Evening News that his dedication between fights will also hold him in good stead.
“I am eager and ready to go,” said Murray. “I'm one of those fighters who don't take too much time outside the gym. I want a lot of fights.”
Murray has quietly gone about his business, watching on as Olympic team-mates James DeGale and Billy Joe Saunders stole the headlines; however, lots of people in the trade have picked Murray as one to watch in 2010.
“I have pulled myself away from my amateur career now,” explained Murray. “Whatever I did as an amateur is in the past. Hopefully, what I do as a pro will be bigger and better. If I start thinking I'm still an amateur or an Olympian, things might go against me. I have just got to make sure I am dedicated in the gym. But there's no rush. I am only 22. If the fights come, I will grab them with both hands.”
Joe has trained in a professional gym for most of his career, often sparring with older brother John; the youngster feels that his eyes are open to the rigours of the paid ranks.
“You can kid an amateur fight. You can beat someone in the first round and then run for three because you are ahead,” he claimed. “As a pro you could win 11 rounds and then get knocked out in the 12th.”
Trainer Joe Gallagher has raved about Joe for years, telling anyone who will listen that he has the best kept secret in boxing under his wing. With the Hatton brand name behind him, big things lie ahead for the Levenshulme lad.
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