• British news

Murray hungry to avenge first pro defeat

ESPN staff
October 24, 2011
John Murray was on the wrong side of the result against domestic rival Kevin Mitchell © Getty Images
Enlarge

John Murray has admitted his surprise at being handed the chance to get his career back on track by taking on the unbeaten Brandon Rios, with the former European lightweight champion revealing he expected to be in "wonderland" after losing his perfect record.

The Manchester-born fighter suffered the only loss of his professional career at the hands of Kevin Mitchell in July, succumbing to an eighth-round stoppage. After losing to his domestic rival, Murray split with long-time coach Joe Gallagher and there were fears the 26-year-old would struggle to work his way back into world-title reckoning.

However, Murray has the opportunity to get back on the radar when he steps in the ring with his undefeated Mexican opponent for WBA title on the undercard of Miguel Angel Cotto's bout with Antonio Margarito at Madison Square Garden on December 3.

"I am really looking forward to it," he told Sky Sports' Ringside. "After getting beaten by Kevin last time, I was expecting to be in wonderland for a little bit but this chance has come along and I can't wait, I'm chomping at the bit."

"I'm going to be in phenomenal condition," Murray told BBC Radio Manchester. "I'm over the moon at the minute, I'm ready to go to work and bring back that title. It's a massive challenge, but it gets the fire in the belly going. I'm going over there to win this."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices