LONDON - Unbeaten British Lightweight Champion and European mandatory challenger John Murray will be looking to add the vacant European lightweight title to his collection when he challenges Cardiff's Gary Buckland on Friday 7th May at the Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes. The fight will also be screened live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 10pm.
John Murray said: "I'm really looking forward to this one, I know it is going to be a hell of a fight; he has been in good form of late, winning his last 4 fights on the bounce. He will be full of enthusiasm and taking this opportunity to be crowned the new British and European champion, but I know I am going to need to be at the top of my game, I'll be stepping in that ring to knock the enthusiasm out of him."
British Champion Murray defended his British title in style when he stopped former British and European champion Jon Thaxton inside 4 rounds last October, since then it has been a frustrating time as European title holder Anthony Mezaache decided to vacate the title 3 weeks before their arranged bout in March, the EBU then offered the fight to Kevin Mitchell and Andrei Kudriavtsev who both declined the chance and then Lee McAllister had to pull out due to injury.
John Murray's promoter Mick Hennessy said "It has been a frustrating few months not only for John but for myself also. We worked hard in getting this European opportunity for John and before Mezaache pulled out they were set to make history and be the first to fight for the European title on US soil, live on Showtime, the fight was then offered to Mitchell and Kudriavtsev but they both had their reasons for not taking it. We then had to endure the wait for purse bids for Murray vs. McAllister, but due to injury Lee had to withdraw. Now EBU number 9 ranked Buckland has been given the opportunity to fight Murray, it is all set for 7th May".
"I believe John will show the British public that he is the number one Lightweight not only in the UK but Europe also. I believe this is John Murray's year and that he has the potential of becoming a major world champion within the next 12 months." Mick Hennessy also added.
Murray added "I have been waiting for this opportunity for a while now but I have been training harder than ever, the sparring with Carl Johanneson and Antony Crolla has been great, we have made sure no stone is unturned. I can't wait to show people what they've been missing,"
In recent weeks John Murray has been pushed up to number 10 in the Ring Magazine rankings.
"I'm really chuffed with my top ten place, Seeing myself up with the best in the world is something special, it is a milestone achievement in my career, I'll pick up the magazine, frame it, and keep it forever," said a proud Murray
John Murray added "Once I have stopped Buckland within the distance and secured the Lonsdale belt outright and added the European belt to my collection I will be looking to challenge for a World title by the end of the year".
Tickets for the show at the Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes are on sale from the Matchroom Sport box office on 01277 359900, tickets are priced at £30 for unreserved seating and £50 for ringside.
For further information and ticket details on this event please check out www.hennessysports.com, www.matchroomsport.com,
