John Murray's Contract Set To Expire: Bidding War Nears

By Mark Vester

John Murray's promotional contract with Hennessey Sports is set to expire at the end of the month. The undefeated British and European lightweight champion will become a free agent and a wild bidding war is expected between numerous promoters who want to sign him up. It's being said that Frank Warren has the edge to scoop him up, but others, including Top Rank, Hatton Promotions, Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, are being rumored to make their play.

Murray does not deny his frustration at battling several spurts of inactivity. He says Hennessey Sports will have to deliver something big if they want him to remain in their stable.

“The contract is coming to an end so Mick Hennessey has to deliver something big. If he hasn’t got anything then it’s time to shake hands and move on. It’s a short career so I need to make the most of it in the time that I can. I’m coming up to 26 so I’ve probably only got another three or four years in me before it’s time to hang up my gloves," Murray told the Manchester Evening News.

“Since I won the British title two-and-a-half years ago I had a six-month break after the Lee Meager fight and five months after Lee McAllister. I’ve not fought as regularly as I’d like.”