John Murray -"i need to be at my best for Thaxton"

[grim reaper]

http://fightfranchise.com/murray_interview.html

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

[lacollier883]

I am looking forward to this fight. Its certainly a tough fight for Murray, Thaxton will certainly be 100% for this one.

I just see Murray breaking Thaxton down and stopping him within 8 rounds, certainly after seeing how sharp he looks in training the other week

[SexySouthPaw]

Dont be suprised if Thaxton doesnt turn up

[Horse]

Dont be suprised if Thaxton doesnt turn up

Why wouldn't he turn up?

[tyson]

Dont be suprised if Thaxton doesnt turn up

In his best interest not a bad move if he failed to show !

[Rixxy]

ive got my ticket for this one now so i cant wait. I think murray will ko thaxton in round 6 but jono can punch so jon does need to watch out.

[Autobarn]

Can't wait for this. I remember talking to Murray and his trainer Joe Gallagher early LAST YEAR when they were desperate for this fight. They were not happy at all, there didn't seem to be many ppl believing in them (fan-wise), and from my POV it's great to see them doing well, the progress they have made. While the Thaxton bout doesn't have as much gain as it once could have, I reckon that team Murray will have studied and thought about Thaxton for so long, that they will know exactly what they are doing. For Thaxton it is basically the last resort, fighting Murray.

Reckon Murray breaks him down and stops him. Thaxton isn't at his best, but he's a big lightweight and - given his win over McAllister as well - you certainly can't say Murray picks on smaller men. At the very least Thaxton will have some early power (as in the 2 European title fights), and he is due a good performance.

Wish Murray would be able to fight a bit more often. He doesn't have the name or the clout of team Khan. So it looks better and it keeps ppl interested if he stops guys every 2 or 3 months. I reckon Murray would have thrived 5 or 10 years ago when there was much more boxing on TV. Just imagine him vs Shea Neary, Colin Dunne, Michael Ayers, Billy Schwer.

[Adamj1987]

thaxton will show up has he ever postponed or pulled out of a fight? i cant remember that happening

[tonyevs]

This is a good match-up.

Styles make fights. And both guys styles wil gell with each others .. Murrays easy to hit ... Jon hits hard .. Murray likes to go forward .. Jon likes a guy to come to him.

I think this will be Thaxtons last hurrah .. I expect to see the best Thaxton we have seen for a long time.
This will be a real 50/50 fight .. if murray does make it look easy, it will not be because Thaxton is shot to bits.

[THEBUTCH]

Good fight, roll on 3rd October.

I see Murray appying pressure, but keeping the hands high....it only takes one punch from Thaxton..., he'll work Thaxton over and force a late stoppage or clear points win.

[ArtOfWar]

The steam has totally gone out of this fight for me. Thaxton has lost his European title and his last fight as well. Typical case of a promoter waiting to make a fight to build it up and then waiting to long. If Murray is going anywhere he's gonna need to dispatch Thaxton impressively inside the distance.

[hitman_hatton1]

The steam has totally gone out of this fight for me. Thaxton has lost his European title and his last fight as well. Typical case of a promoter waiting to make a fight to build it up and then waiting to long. If Murray is going anywhere he's gonna need to dispatch Thaxton impressively inside the distance.

agreed.

fight should have been made earlier in the year or late last year.

[Wales]

Only thing the fight has going for it is the fact Murray is there to be hit, and thaxton can whack a little bit. Murray could be caught early and the fight could turn very interesting. If Thaxton doesnt make a dent in Murray within three of four rounds its going to eb a long hard painful night for the Nowrich man because John is fit as a fiddle and keeps coming.

[Spud]

I know Jono reads this place - so what I state I mean no disrespect!!!

I am sorry - I really want John Murray to show what a bloody good fighter he is in this fight - and if Murray cannot beat Jono who in my opinion is past his best then Murray needs to forget stepping onto the world stage.

[alexpaterson]

Its a real tough task for Thaxton I dont think he'll do it I think Murray will over-wealm him early and stop him in the mid rounds it will be a tough fight for Murray but I think he has the fitness and power to hurt Jono

[Autobarn]

Reckon Thaxton will have big power early and then perhaps he won't be so sharp as the fight goes on. You definitely have to look out for his attack early. Murray's methodical attack, i.e. sometimes starting slowly then gradually turning it up, could be just right for this one, so long as he doesn't get rocked.

What a warrior Thaxton is. I am definitely biased towards Murray, but I appreciate what a warrior Thaxton is. It's been more compelling watching Thaxton win and lose British/Euro honours than watching many Brits fight for world titles.

Jono's form has been patchy but - like Michael Gomez - you never know when the next great effort is going to come. The fight does seem to have run out of steam. However, you can bet both will be putting everything into this; and both are really exciting fighters in their different ways. I'm looking forward to this.

[Spud]

Autobarn,

I completely agree with what you are stating about Jono in regards to him being a proper warrior of the sport - he is as courageous as they come - problem is - its exactly that which I feel falls right into Murray's hands!! - he loves a good scrap - and Jono might just have had one too many of them.

[whiskey]

Reckon Thaxton will have big power early and then perhaps he won't be so sharp as the fight goes on. You definitely have to look out for his attack early. Murray's methodical attack, i.e. sometimes starting slowly then gradually turning it up, could be just right for this one, so long as he doesn't get rocked.

What a warrior Thaxton is. I am definitely biased towards Murray, but I appreciate what a warrior Thaxton is. It's been more compelling watching Thaxton win and lose British/Euro honours than watching many Brits fight for world titles.

Jono's form has been patchy but - like Michael Gomez - you never know when the next great effort is going to come. The fight does seem to have run out of steam. However, you can bet both will be putting everything into this; and both are really exciting fighters in their different ways. I'm looking forward to this.

Good post and i totally agree.

[whiskey]

Let's give Thaxton his due, he won that fight against Mezzache whilst many can point at Murray and say he was rusty and beaten by Hamidi.

The cards fall lucky sometimes..and sometimes they dont.

[Tommy Gunn13]

Ive watched Thaxton since his schoolboy days&have upmost respect for the guy,top class bloke

but if he dosent catch Murray in the first 2rounds,hes in for a very painful night....

Come on Jono

[HS Press]

Murray gearing up for war with Thaxton

John Murray says he won’t be fooled into believing that British title rival Jon Thaxton is past his sell by date. The unbeaten Murray squares off with veteran puncher Thaxton in an eagerly awaited clash for the vacant British Lightweight title at the Altrincham Leisure Centre on October 3rd.

The bout headlines a Hennessy Sports event and will be live on ITV4 and Murray says he’s preparing for the fight of his life despite Thaxton’s revelation that his own father thinks he should retire.

Thaxton senior told his son that he believes Murray will knock him out but the 24-year-old from Manchester says he’s not reading too much in to that prediction.

“I’ve heard about that but I think that’s probably just all talk,” said Murray. “It could all be just a plan to lull me into a false sense of security but that won’t be happening. I know how good Jon Thaxton is and what he’s capable of doing. He’s a very dangerous fighter and a good puncher and they say the last thing to go in a fighter is his punch so even if he is past his best he’s still going to be very dangerous.”

The 35-year-old Thaxton believes he has at least one more big performance in him and Murray believes that he may be right. “I’m preparing for the best possible Jon Thaxton because this is his last chance and I’m sure he’s going to be really up for this. It’s a fight we’ve both wanted and now that it’s happening I’m sure he’s every bit as up for it as I am.”

The Norwich veteran has endured a difficult 2009 to date losing his European title in February courtesy of a controversial points defeat to Frenchman Anthony Mezaache. His difficulties were further compounded in July when he suffered a shock points defeat to upset specialist Tom Glover but Murray doesn’t believe that the back to back defeats indicate that Thaxton’s glory days are nearing an end.

“I thought he was a little unlucky not to get the decision when he lost to Mezaache and last time out I think a combination of taking his eye off the ball and fighting out of his natural weight class cost him against Glover but I’m fully expecting him to be back to his best for this one.”

Murray lost the British title on the scales in July when he failed to make the 9 stone 9 pound lightweight limit for a defence against Scott Lawton by just 2 ounces. Murray says it was down to a “miscalculation” on the day of the weigh in and is confident that he will have no problems making the weight this time around as he bids to win back his old title.

“I got it wrong last time around with the weight but I’ve no worries for this fight. I’ll have no problems making lightweight. My training’s gone really well for this fight and I’ve left no stone unturned in my preparations. I’ve brought in good sparring partners from Europe to try and get guys as close as possible to Thaxton’s southpaw style and I’m feeling really sharp right now.”

Murray was also made the mandatory challenger for Mezaache’s European title recently but for now he says his only focus is on beating Thaxton.

“I’m in a great position now in terms of the European title and the deadline for negotatioations for the Mezaache fight is actually the same date as the Thaxton fight but he’ll be the only thing on my mind that day because if I don’t get past Thaxton then my European chance will go out the window.”

Tickets for the bout priced £30 and £70 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.