John Murray is Conflicted on His Future in Boxing

[Spud]

He didn't have a fight with a doorman.

He had to wait ages from winning the title to the McAllister original date anyway. He won the title last summer and he had to fight McAllister in what, November? That's a massive wait anyway, then he got injured.

But certainly, ppl will naturally brign up that Murray did postpone. But coming off that long wait between fights, you'd think he'd be kept busy. Murray wanted to defend the British title on the Thaxton undercard. Instead we got that pointless "step up" of Danny McIntosh. Thaxton didn't need to fight the Frenchman, we could have had Murray-Thaxton for both titles but no...

He does need to be kept sharp. Thaxton has been deposed so we don't need Murray v Thaxton anymore. Make Murray-Mezaache. if Murray has to wait that long for a fight, make it one that counts ie a step up for a bigger title.

Whilst on the surface your post makes a lot of sense - you have to realise Murray although infuriating his promoter by being so outspoken will need to be kept active and in my opinion he was right to state what he has - I feel the compromise fight will be Murray v Thaxton - and now Thaxton has lost his European title - the crucial thing the fight will be a lot cheaper to make - the fight makes sense from whichever angle you look at it.

[Pugilist-specialist]

He didn't have a fight with a doorman.

So who was it who sparkoed him ?

[Autobarn]

He didn't have a fight with a doorman.

He had to wait ages from winning the title to the McAllister original date anyway. He won the title last summer and he had to fight McAllister in what, November? That's a massive wait anyway, then he got injured.

But certainly, ppl will naturally brign up that Murray did postpone. But coming off that long wait between fights, you'd think he'd be kept busy. Murray wanted to defend the British title on the Thaxton undercard. Instead we got that pointless "step up" of Danny McIntosh. Thaxton didn't need to fight the Frenchman, we could have had Murray-Thaxton for both titles but no...

He does need to be kept sharp. Thaxton has been deposed so we don't need Murray v Thaxton anymore. Make Murray-Mezaache. if Murray has to wait that long for a fight, make it one that counts ie a step up for a bigger title.

Whilst on the surface your post makes a lot of sense - you have to realise Murray although infuriating his promoter by being so outspoken will need to be kept active and in my opinion he was right to state what he has - I feel the compromise fight will be Murray v Thaxton - and now Thaxton has lost his European title - the crucial thing the fight will be a lot cheaper to make - the fight makes sense from whichever angle you look at it.

Thaxton was so much more appealing before he lost to an unknown Frenchman.

Frog has the European title. That might be the one to go for.

Murray I'd think will have wanted Thaxton when the fight was at its tastiest. British and Euro belts on the line. Whoever wins keeps Lonsdale (had Murray got a quick title defence out the way after McAllister). Great scenario - but it's another story now. The fight doesn't taste as good. Hennessy seems to keep Thaxton busier than Murray; ITV seem more fascinated by novice (but very big) Fury than a skilled, strong British champ.

Murray fights Thaxton now, Murray isn't exactly moving upward...

[Spud]

He didn't have a fight with a doorman.

He had to wait ages from winning the title to the McAllister original date anyway. He won the title last summer and he had to fight McAllister in what, November? That's a massive wait anyway, then he got injured.

But certainly, ppl will naturally brign up that Murray did postpone. But coming off that long wait between fights, you'd think he'd be kept busy. Murray wanted to defend the British title on the Thaxton undercard. Instead we got that pointless "step up" of Danny McIntosh. Thaxton didn't need to fight the Frenchman, we could have had Murray-Thaxton for both titles but no...

He does need to be kept sharp. Thaxton has been deposed so we don't need Murray v Thaxton anymore. Make Murray-Mezaache. if Murray has to wait that long for a fight, make it one that counts ie a step up for a bigger title.

Whilst on the surface your post makes a lot of sense - you have to realise Murray although infuriating his promoter by being so outspoken will need to be kept active and in my opinion he was right to state what he has - I feel the compromise fight will be Murray v Thaxton - and now Thaxton has lost his European title - the crucial thing the fight will be a lot cheaper to make - the fight makes sense from whichever angle you look at it.

Thaxton was so much more appealing before he lost to an unknown Frenchman.

Frog has the European title. That might be the one to go for.

Murray I'd think will have wanted Thaxton when the fight was at its tastiest. British and Euro belts on the line. Whoever wins keeps Lonsdale (had Murray got a quick title defence out the way after McAllister). Great scenario - but it's another story now. The fight doesn't taste as good. Hennessy seems to keep Thaxton busier than Murray; ITV seem more fascinated by novice (but very big) Fury than a skilled, strong British champ.

Murray fights Thaxton now, Murray isn't exactly moving upward...

The promoter in this case has to think about the fighter - but more importantly he has a business to run - Thaxton/Murray is very cheap to make now - it gives Thaxton another to prove last night was a blip and it gives Murray a chance to whoop the former European Lightweight champion and it also keeps him active whilst his promoter gets him that big fight - and whilst al of us state Thaxton could be a move backwards for Murray, I would disagree - what has Murray done to prove himself against quality European opposition to force a European title or a world title - nothing to date - yes he could be good enough - but if Murray whoops Thaxton that I can assure you will force the EBU's hand and place Murray in a very strong position as well as place him highly in the world rankings in what is a very strong division.

Thaxton/Murray makes a whole lot of sense.

[Spud]

And whilst I am here - I think Murray would beat Thaxton inside 6 rounds - so a stoppage would reflect even better on his CV.

[Autobarn]

Spud, Murray's almost European mandatory. He has stopped 2 guys in the EBU top 10 rankings Meager and McAllister and is the #2 contender. He already is in a strong position. Murray is very particular about having momentum and moving upward. Thaxton bout isn't as rewarding as it looked a day ago. It ticked all the boxes once; now it doesn't tick all the boxes especially with Murray and those close to him being agitated about inactivity, and not getting the right opportunities. For example, go for Thaxton and THEN Mezaache? That means his career progresses more slowly and if "big" fights are coming only 2 times a year he loses another year.

(I don't know if they want the Euro title shot or not, or are set on Prescott, but they def wanted Thaxton for the Euro belt)

Maybe it will appeal to Hennessy more now. We can't speak for him can we? Does he want a Thaxton-Mez rematch, will he play on the fight's opening round controversy? Thaxton is a stubborn battler and what if he wants to go again. And at the same time perhaps he is planning this Murray v Prescott fight...maybe both Brits go in different directions, maybe it has been left too late.

If Mick did want to make Murray-Thaxton for the british (and poss Euro elim), would it be the right time? Thaxton bad cuts again, long wait. Maybe Murray fights before that, so that when the square off the winner gets to keep the belt due to 4 British title wins? That sounds OK but it could have been made with the EBU title in the pot as well & you can bet Murray and Gallagher will be aware that the fight isn't what it could have been.

Also, re momentum. i think Murray needs the EBU belt this year if he's ever going to fight for it. The years go quickly and careers can start to plod.

[Spud]

Spud, Murray's almost European mandatory. He has stopped 2 guys in the EBU top 10 rankings Meager and McAllister and is the #2 contender. He already is in a strong position. Murray is very particular about having momentum and moving upward. Thaxton bout isn't as rewarding as it looked a day ago. It ticked all the boxes once; now it doesn't tick all the boxes especially with Murray and those close to him being agitated about inactivity, and not getting the right opportunities. For example, go for Thaxton and THEN Mezaache? That means his career progresses more slowly and if "big" fights are coming only 2 times a year he loses another year.

(I don't know if they want the Euro title shot or not, or are set on Prescott, but they def wanted Thaxton for the Euro belt)

Maybe it will appeal to Hennessy more now. We can't speak for him can we? Does he want a Thaxton-Mez rematch, will he play on the fight's opening round controversy? Thaxton is a stubborn battler and what if he wants to go again. And at the same time perhaps he is planning this Murray v Prescott fight...maybe both Brits go in different directions, maybe it has been left too late.

If Mick did want to make Murray-Thaxton for the british (and poss Euro elim), would it be the right time? Thaxton bad cuts again, long wait. Maybe Murray fights before that, so that when the square off the winner gets to keep the belt due to 4 British title wins? That sounds OK but it could have been made with the EBU title in the pot as well & you can bet Murray and Gallagher will be aware that the fight isn't what it could have been.

Also, re momentum. i think Murray needs the EBU belt this year if he's ever going to fight for it. The years go quickly and careers can start to plod.

Autobarn,

Again I agree with the majority of what you say - however - as with everything "Boxing Politics" will have a part to play - Mezaache or whatever his name is may have to face his mandatory or might even be allowed a "voluntary" defence and thus maneouvering Murray into a straight shot may well prove difficult - Murray needs a noteworthy opponent in May/June - the fight between Thaxton and Murray is also very easy to make as they are from the same promotional company.

IMO Murray wont get his shot at the European Title until perhaps September at the earliest - unless of course "Meaty" Mick offers a lot of money - ITV do not have a lot of money.

[DG.]

The Frenchman being a VOLUNTARY(?) wouldn't Hennessey have options on his next fight?

[TheCobra]

Let's face one thing, being on ITV4 isn't really gona pay a lot of money is it, it's not exactly the tv deal of the century. Their coverage is also very 'everyman', i.e. aimed at people who don't know the psort that well, their commentators and presentation is embarassing at times and that guy who goes round the backstage getting interviews is genuinely cringeworthy and slightly creepy.

I'd say Hennessey has quite quickly gone to the bottom of the pile really in terms of what he seems to be doing with his fighters, I'd put Warren, Maloney and Hayemaker all above him in terms of how they are building the fighters on thier rosters and what tv coverage they are getting. The Hatton promotions route sounds like a very viable one for John Murray to follow, he is a Hatton-esque fighter and there is obviously gona be money and initial enthusiasm for the first few fighters who get in the Hatton stable. Go for it I'd say, hennessey really doing Murray no favours at the mo.

[banjo]

Let's face one thing, being on ITV4 isn't really gona pay a lot of money is it, it's not exactly the tv deal of the century. Their coverage is also very 'everyman', i.e. aimed at people who don't know the psort that well, their commentators and presentation is embarassing at times and that guy who goes round the backstage getting interviews is genuinely cringeworthy and slightly creepy.

I'd say Hennessey has quite quickly gone to the bottom of the pile really in terms of what he seems to be doing with his fighters, I'd put Warren, Maloney and Hayemaker all above him in terms of how they are building the fighters on thier rosters and what tv coverage they are getting. The Hatton promotions route sounds like a very viable one for John Murray to follow, he is a Hatton-esque fighter and there is obviously gona be money and initial enthusiasm for the first few fighters who get in the Hatton stable. Go for it I'd say, hennessey really doing Murray no favours at the mo.

I'm not the only one who has noticed this then

[Spud]

Let's face one thing, being on ITV4 isn't really gona pay a lot of money is it, it's not exactly the tv deal of the century. Their coverage is also very 'everyman', i.e. aimed at people who don't know the psort that well, their commentators and presentation is embarassing at times and that guy who goes round the backstage getting interviews is genuinely cringeworthy and slightly creepy.

I'd say Hennessey has quite quickly gone to the bottom of the pile really in terms of what he seems to be doing with his fighters, I'd put Warren, Maloney and Hayemaker all above him in terms of how they are building the fighters on thier rosters and what tv coverage they are getting. The Hatton promotions route sounds like a very viable one for John Murray to follow, he is a Hatton-esque fighter and there is obviously gona be money and initial enthusiasm for the first few fighters who get in the Hatton stable. Go for it I'd say, hennessey really doing Murray no favours at the mo.

I reluctantly have to agree with what you have written - I hope Froch has a few more fights left in him - but who knows when you are in the world class bracket - if Murray leaves - that has Hennessy pinning an awful lot on Tyson Fury!!!

[Autobarn]

Spud, Murray's almost European mandatory. He has stopped 2 guys in the EBU top 10 rankings Meager and McAllister and is the #2 contender. He already is in a strong position. Murray is very particular about having momentum and moving upward. Thaxton bout isn't as rewarding as it looked a day ago. It ticked all the boxes once; now it doesn't tick all the boxes especially with Murray and those close to him being agitated about inactivity, and not getting the right opportunities. For example, go for Thaxton and THEN Mezaache? That means his career progresses more slowly and if "big" fights are coming only 2 times a year he loses another year.

(I don't know if they want the Euro title shot or not, or are set on Prescott, but they def wanted Thaxton for the Euro belt)

Maybe it will appeal to Hennessy more now. We can't speak for him can we? Does he want a Thaxton-Mez rematch, will he play on the fight's opening round controversy? Thaxton is a stubborn battler and what if he wants to go again. And at the same time perhaps he is planning this Murray v Prescott fight...maybe both Brits go in different directions, maybe it has been left too late.

If Mick did want to make Murray-Thaxton for the british (and poss Euro elim), would it be the right time? Thaxton bad cuts again, long wait. Maybe Murray fights before that, so that when the square off the winner gets to keep the belt due to 4 British title wins? That sounds OK but it could have been made with the EBU title in the pot as well & you can bet Murray and Gallagher will be aware that the fight isn't what it could have been.

Also, re momentum. i think Murray needs the EBU belt this year if he's ever going to fight for it. The years go quickly and careers can start to plod.

Autobarn,

Again I agree with the majority of what you say - however - as with everything "Boxing Politics" will have a part to play - Mezaache or whatever his name is may have to face his mandatory or might even be allowed a "voluntary" defence and thus maneouvering Murray into a straight shot may well prove difficult - Murray needs a noteworthy opponent in May/June - the fight between Thaxton and Murray is also very easy to make as they are from the same promotional company.

IMO Murray wont get his shot at the European Title until perhaps September at the earliest - unless of course "Meaty" Mick offers a lot of money - ITV do not have a lot of money.

From Murray's POV, hopefully there is no rematch clause for Thaxton, no immediate rematch to settle controversy ordered by EBU. The Frog was a voluntary it seems as DG says so there could be room.

Another pitfall, the John Watson v Martin Gethin so called eliminator bout. Will Murray have won the Lonsdale belt by the time this opponent is put forth, who knows. I think it's been pointed out that it's not a final eliminator so that could be ok. But would this get in the way when poss EBU shot arrives?

It does seem that the promoter and the fighter are on a different wavelength as to career route.

It's criminal for a fighter like Murray not to be busy.

[TheCobra]

Murray in my opinion now needs to forget about the british scene, take on some world and european ranked opponents who will give him new and different tests and then put himself into position for world belts in the next 12-18 months.

This will only be done if he has 4-5 decent fights against good opposition, which appears very unlikely whilst he's under the Hennessey banner. Look at how Hayemeaker quite quickly seem to have got RYan RHodes a WBC international belt and people are talking about him as possible challenger for world titles in the next 12 months. Murray could get to this point quite easily imo, needs to start going in for international titles and other such in-betweeny belts to ready him for the world stage.

[tyson]

There is still Barker , Daws , Witter , Elcock , Thirwell , Odonell and a majority of ingle fighters.

[Spud]

There is still Barker , Daws , Witter , Elcock , Thirwell , Odonell and a majority of ingle fighters.

With the exception of Barker not one of the names you mentioned will enthuse the miserable tw*ts called TV excutives.

I know Daws, Thirwall and O'Donnell - brilliant guys and IMO very good boxers indeed but they have not yet set the boxing world alight.

[tyson]

There is still Barker , Daws , Witter , Elcock , Thirwell , Odonell and a majority of ingle fighters.

With the exception of Barker not one of the names you mentioned will enthuse the miserable tw*ts called TV excutives.

I know Daws, Thirwall and O'Donnell - brilliant guys and IMO very good boxers indeed but they have not yet set the boxing world alight.

Surely Witter would

[DG.]

There is still Barker , Daws , Witter , Elcock , Thirwell , Odonell and a majority of ingle fighters.

With the exception of Barker not one of the names you mentioned will enthuse the miserable tw*ts called TV excutives.

I know Daws, Thirwall and O'Donnell - brilliant guys and IMO very good boxers indeed but they have not yet set the boxing world alight.

Surely Witter would

Witter should sign with Hatton!

[bigdaddy]

Murry a class act

[Spud]

Murry a class act

He could be if his promoter gets him active and the right fights.

[Old bones Ian]

Let's face one thing, being on ITV4 isn't really gona pay a lot of money is it, it's not exactly the tv deal of the century. Their coverage is also very 'everyman', i.e. aimed at people who don't know the psort that well, their commentators and presentation is embarassing at times and that guy who goes round the backstage getting interviews is genuinely cringeworthy and slightly creepy.

I'd say Hennessey has quite quickly gone to the bottom of the pile really in terms of what he seems to be doing with his fighters, I'd put Warren, Maloney and Hayemaker all above him in terms of how they are building the fighters on thier rosters and what tv coverage they are getting. The Hatton promotions route sounds like a very viable one for John Murray to follow, he is a Hatton-esque fighter and there is obviously gona be money and initial enthusiasm for the first few fighters who get in the Hatton stable. Go for it I'd say, hennessey really doing Murray no favours at the mo.

I'm not the only one who has noticed this then

Yes i've noticed that as well, he looks like The love child of Gloria from it ain't af hot mum.
and he gets uncomfortably close to the boxers, enjoys patting them a bit to much as well.
but he does get some good quotes from them

[Twinkle Toes]

Ridiculous to see the Thaxton fight go down the swany - It has far less appeal now.

What a bloody farce.

[Old bones Ian]

A certain Yuri Romanov is mandatory for the EBU title, but i'm not sure he'd see that as a step forward, think he would rather be looking at world titles.

[Asterix]

A certain Yuri Romanov is mandatory for the EBU title, but i'm not sure he'd see that as a step forward, think he would rather be looking at world titles.

Romanov doesn't seem to be doing much. What a waste.

[gobbles]

A certain Yuri Romanov is mandatory for the EBU title, but i'm not sure he'd see that as a step forward, think he would rather be looking at world titles.

Romanov doesn't seem to be doing much. What a waste.

He's fighting Guzman for the IBF title.

[Asterix]

A certain Yuri Romanov is mandatory for the EBU title, but i'm not sure he'd see that as a step forward, think he would rather be looking at world titles.

Romanov doesn't seem to be doing much. What a waste.

He's fighting Guzman for the IBF title.

It's not been confirmed yet.

http://www.BS.com/?m=show&id=18546