By Terence Dooley
Former British heavyweight title challenger Michael Murray died on Christmas Day after suffering a stroke on Christmas Eve; the popular former fighter had been fighting a brain tumour for over two years. His funeral takes place this Friday; his death is a huge loss to the Manchester boxing community.
The 47-year-old won the Central Area title early in his career and took on the best heavyweights in the UK en route to compiling a deceptive 16-26 (9) record. Bob Shannon worked with Murray and knew him well, the veteran trainer told me that the former fighter turned writer – his book, The Journeyman, was widely acclaimed upon release and another one was completed prior to his death – was one of the nicest guys in the sport and will be sadly missed.
“Michael was too nice to be a boxer,” said Shannon when speaking to Boxingscene about Murray’s life and career. “His record doesn’t tell the full story of how talented he was, he never shirked a fight, taking on anyone and everyone – I’ll never forget the skills he showed when he knocked out Kevin McBride in three rounds in 1998.”
“Kevin was seen as a contender at the time so Michael showed people his ability, he looked world class that night. I hope Sky or someone show a bit of that fight to remember him by because people will be surprised by what they see. His book was called The Journeyman and he lost a few but there’s a lot of big names on his record.”
“I’ll never forget the time I spent working with Michael. I learned a lot just from being around him and noting his calm presence. His left uppercut was a great shot – I have always tried to teach other fighters to deliver it as well as Michael did. On his night he had the ability to beat anyone.”
“Michael was a real gentleman and a tough fighter, he told people he’d fight the brain tumour and did do every step of the way, never giving in and staying the person we all loved and respected.”
Murray also held wins over Mike Holden, who later held the British belt, Markus Bott, later a WBO cruiserweight titlist, future British and Commonwealth title holder Julius Francis and Dereck Williams. His funeral takes place this Friday at 11.30am at Southern Cemetery’s Crematorium.
Please send news and views to neckodeemus@hotmail.co.uk or Twitter @Terryboxing.
