John Murray is a boxer with great potential who could possibly reach the top. Trainer
Joe Gallagher rates him highly and is hopeful of a European Title shot for his young
Mancunian fighter. Before that, Murray needs to beat a dangerous opponent standing
in front of him, Jon Thaxton.
Thaxton is a former British and European champion and is, to date, the most dangerous opponent the talented Murray has faced. Murray, himself a former British champion having been stripped of his belt last time around for failing to make weight, can win the Lonsdale belt to keep if he beats Thaxton. A win for Murray would also propel him to European level or could even lead to a fight with WBA champion Amir Khan.
John Murray is an exciting young prospect, unbeaten in 27 fights. He is a pressure fighter, relentless in his chasing opponents down, breaking them down before finishing them off. He won the prestigious young boxer of the year award in 2006.
Fight Franchise’s very own Lee Collier got to watch John in training and in action sparring. After the training session John discussed his career, the upcoming Thaxton fight and his thoughts on Amir Khan.
FF: John, many thanks for taking a break during training to chat to us.
JM:Any time
FF: Although you won your last fight against Scott Lawton convincingly, does losing your British title make you more determined in the fight against Jon Thaxton?
JM: Yes it does, I’d say it was a bit of a miscalculation last time out and it cost me the belt, it has made me buck up my ideas a lot more for this fight. Jon Thaxton is a dangerous opponent, he can punch and is very experienced, so I have to be at my best to pull the win off. There’s no room for error so I can’t afford to miscalculate my weight this time and I need to be at my best. I’ve had a longer training camp for this fight, things are going miles better too.
FF: Do you feel Jon Thaxton will bring the best out of John Murray?
JM: I think he will, he’s a tough opponent, he’s very dangerous and has all the experience in the world to draw back on. He’s been around a long time and knows the boxing game inside out so I need to be at my best, to take care of business professionally, there’s no room for error as it only takes one punch from Thaxton and you can be out.
FF: Thaxton has lost 3 out of his last 4 fights. Do you think Thaxton is on the slide and that you may underestimate him?
JM: Not at all, I know this is Jon’s last chance, he knows it’s do or die for him so it’ll be the very best of Jon Thaxton. He will train better and harder than for his previous fights, there’s a big chance for him to upset the young prospect coming through. He’s going to see the chance for it, so I’m going to keep my eye on the ball, I’m going to train for the very best Jon Thaxton. I don’t want to give him his last chance, I don’t want to be his last shot and give that shot to him. I’ve got to be at my best and take care of him, and do it in style aswell.
FF: Who have you been sparring to get you used to Thaxtons style?
JM: We’ve been looking at some Europeans to bring some good sparring over, by the end of the week we should have some decent operators in. We are just looking at the minute (This was 2 weeks ago so Murray will have his sparring sorted now)
FF:The fight is at Altrincham, do you feel having a noisy home town following at the fight could give you an advantage?
JM:I fight better with the crowd bigger and louder, it brings the best out of me. I know from my ticket sales going well, that it will sell out. All my fans will be there, they are going to raise the roof and make a racket. I am looking forward to the atmosphere, which I feel will bring the best out of me
FF: After the mishap at the last fight, are you still comfortable making Lightweight or will you be stepping up to Light Welterweight in the future?
JM: I still make Lightweight comfortably, it’s not a struggle, which is what I think caused the miscalculation last time around. I was making weight easier than in my previous fights, so I ended up doing less and tried to make weight by having more rest than working harder. I think fighters who are tight at the weight always seem to come in under as they know they are tight at the weight. But because I make weight easily at the minute I don’t tend to struggle or need to starve myself to make weight. My weight is lower this time around. It showed in the last fight when I failed the weight that my performance wasn’t affected, I could have fought all night, and it was a rapid fire pace I was going at. I feel strong at the weight and at the minute am comfortable with how things are. When the time is right we’ll talk it out and make a decision together
FF: Jon Thaxton could be your last big domestic fight, do you feel you will step up to European or World level after this fight?
JM: Yes, there’s Thaxton and then all being well, I come through this with no injuries and a win and I am looking to fight again before Christmas, maybe for a European title shot. There are also whispers it could be Amir Khan so hopefully I’ll take a week off then I’ll be straight back in the gym ready for a big fight.
FF: Going to Amir Khan, this is a fight that has been discussed for a while yet. Do you feel that Khan and his team are avoiding you?
JM: I have always wanted the Khan fight for a long time. I think Khan is overrated and I think he’s avoided the best fighters to reach the top, which is where he is now, but he has done it without fighting anyone or beating anyone at the top of their game. As it’s a fight I’ve always wanted I’d quite happily step up to Light Welter for it, even though I’m comfortable at Lightweight but for a shot at Khan at the world title I’d take it at the drop of a hat. Do I think they have avoided me, yes a bit.There’s been opportunities for Khan to fight me in the past but they chose other fighters, the fact they avoid me makes the fight bigger, he’s a World champion now and I’m knocking on the door after this Thaxton fight, I’m looking forward to it if it ever happens.
FF: You have boxed abroad, notably in America and Canada. Is that something you would do again if it meant getting a World title shot?
JM: Yes, I have no problems travelling overseas to further my career, and when I have in the past I have shown how good I can be. I have had some good wins in Florida, Las Vegas and when you box in the big arena’s and see what it’s like over their it inspires you. I’ll get this Thaxton fight out of the way, and then any fights out in America that are for a world title or to further my career I’ll take.
FF: One final question John, do you have a message for Jon Thaxton?
JM: Yeah, I hope he’s training hard as I know I am. I want him to be at his best, I am going to be at my best. I ‘m looking forward to a terrific fight, and I wish Jon the best of luck, he’s going to need it
FF: Thanks for the interview John and all the best for the future and good luck.
JM: No problems
To see John Murray take on Jon Thaxton on the 3rd October tickets can be bought from the Ticketline Box Office on 0844 888 4402 or via the Hennessy Sports website
By LEE COLLIER
