British Lightweight champion John Murray is the mandatory for Anthony Mezaache's
European belt but his long term aim is to fight Michael Katsidis for a world title.
Speaking after his fourth round stoppage win over Jon Thaxton, Murray said, "I am the mandatory opponent for the European belt and I'll win that belt. I am past British level now, thats four title fights I have won all within the distance. I am established as the British number one and want a European title shot or a World Title shot within the next 12 months. The name being mentioned at the minute is Michael Katsidis, and I watched him win the world title not too long ago, and feel that's a fight I can win. It will make for a great TV fight, we are both come forward fighters with exciting styles and thats the one fight I want more than anything."
John then elaborated on his performance against Thaxton and how he felt the whole fight and his training camp went. "Jon Thaxton was the best opponent I have faced so far, but my training camp went well and the performance on the night would make it my best performance to date, I am really pleased with it," he continued, "My defence was sharp, he did catch me but he never hurt me. My defence was good, my footwork was sharp and I moved in and out well and worked him over brilliantly."
There has been debate as to whether referee Howard Foster stopped the contest early. Murray feels Foster got the stoppage right. " I think the stoppage was correct, Jon was just shipping punishment and has had a 17 year career. The referee knew that, so why should he let him take the punishment when the fight was getting more and more one sided as the rounds went on?" he said, "It was only a matter of time before he went out on his back, a few times when I hit him the effects went right down to the sole of his boots."
Murray went on to praise Thaxton, "Jon Thaxton is a warrior, he would have gone out on his back, but the referee has to think of a boxers safety first and he was being compassionate."
By LEE COLLIER
