By Terence Dooley

Joe Murray takes part in his tenth pro contest in Bolton tomorrow night on the undercard of Stephen Foster's EBU super-featherweight title defence against Ermano Fegatilli.  Murray returned home from the 2008 Games empty handed yet has forged ahead in his paid career under the watchful eye of promoter Ricky Hatton, who has predicted big things for his Olympian.

Murray has been sparring British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla as he prepares to hand Daniel Kodjo Sassou his sixteenth defeat.  The 24-year-old feels that Crolla's recent success has rubbed off on him – he is expecting a prime performance come the first bell.

“My training’s gone really well.  I was training with Anthony before his fight and I feel in great shape.  Anthony winning the title put a good atmosphere in the camp and it gave us all a big buzz.  Now it’s my turn.  Hopefully, I can shine as well as he did.

“This fight is another stepping stone.  It’s more experience for me and so when a title fight does come round I’ll be ready for it.  I think I’m learning the trade and I think I’m learning it well.  I watched Sassou fight Scott Quigg last time out when he was on the same bill as me so he’s seen me and I’ve seen him.  He’s a tough kid and he’ll be there to try and take my ‘0’ off me.  I think it’ll be a great fight.  I’ve got a game plan and you’ll see it on the night.  I’m going to try and box him for a couple of rounds and then put it on him and hopefully get a stoppage.”

Daniel was on a run of eight wins prior to his November points loss to Scott Quigg, Murray's promotional stablemate.  The 31-year-old Frenchman is 29-15-4 (7), he has not scored a stoppage win since 2006 but has only been stopped four times in his 12-year career.  Murray should be able to find the range early in order to showcase his skills before the Sky Sports cameras.

Murray, younger brother of EBU lightweight champion John Murray, has another goal tomorrow night, he will bid to become the 43rd straight winner under trainer Joe Gallagher.  The winning run has been jokingly described as a “hot potato” by Gallagher yet he is fully confident that 'Genius' Joe will keep the run going in fine style come Saturday.

Sky Sports HD1 and 1 televise from 8pm Saturday night.

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