John Murray a Free Agent, Frank Warren is Interested

By Mark Vester

According to a report in the Manchester Evening News, unbeaten lightweight contender John Murray (30-0) is on the free agent market after his promotional contract expired with Mick Hennessey. Promoter Frank Warren, who helped make Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Prince Naseem Hamed, wants to make Murray Britain’s next boxing superstar.

“I think if he gets the right promotion then he could be one of the next stars,” said Warren. “He’s got the talent, he’s got a good trainer and good people behind him. He just needs somebody to help on the other side of the ropes. He’s been waiting for that big chance. I’d like to get involved. I think he’s a talent. You can only make stars out of people who can fight and if there’s one thing about him it’s that he can fight.”

Murray is building a rep in England as the most exciting fighter since Ricky Hatton. Warren put together Hatton’s career-defining fight at the MEN Arena against Kostya Tszyu in 2005, and in 2009 Warren led Khan to the WBA 140-pound title against Andriy Kotelnik at the same venue. Warren would like to make him the next sell-out fighter at the MEN Arena, but says his style is a complete twist to the style of Hatton.

“I think John  and Ricky have different styles entirely,” Warren said. “Ricky built a big fanbase and was well-promoted, even if I do say so myself. John needs that as well. He needs the promotion to help build a big fanbase. Manchester’s looking for its next star. They need to get some shows going on at the M.E.N. again. It would be a great thrill and a pleasure to be back in Manchester.”

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com