John Murray (boxer)

Last updated

John Murray
John Murrayboxer.jpg
Murray in 2009
Born (1984-12-20) 20 December 1984 (age 40)
Manchester, England
NationalityBritish
Statistics
Weight(s) Lightweight
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights36
Wins33
Wins by KO20
Losses3

John Murray (born 20 December 1984) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2003 to 2014. He held the English lightweight title from 2007 to 2008, the British lightweight title twice between 2008 and 2010, and the European lightweight title from 2010 to 2011. He also challenged once for the vacant WBA lightweight title in 2011. John is the brother of British former Olympian Joe Murray. [1] Since retiring, Murray has opened his own gym in Reddish, where he trains both amateur and professional boxers. [2]

Contents

Professional career

Murray's first professional fight took place in September 2003 with a 4-round points win over journeyman Peter Buckley. Over the next two years Murray was busy in the ring scoring 15 more wins in 15 fights before in December 2005 defeating Ignacio Mendoza for the WBC World Youth lightweight title. He made one defence of his title against Moebi Sarouna and scored decent wins over Ben Odamattey and Lorenzo Bethea before defeating Dean Hickman at the Ice Arena in Nottingham for the English title. In October 2006 he was awarded the prestigious young boxer of the year award at a ceremony held in London, an award previously held by the likes of Ricky Hatton, Frank Bruno and Barry McGuigan. [3]

British Champion

Following the Hickman victory, Murray fought twice more against journeyman opponents before meeting [[Salford, Salford boxer Lee Meager for the vacant British lightweight title in July 2008. He won the belt after the referee stopped the fight in the 5th round. Following the fight Meager, a promotional stablemate, announced his retirement.[ citation needed ] The first defence of his title was made on 17 January 2009 at the Robin Park Centre in Wigan. Murray managed to keep hold of the belt after scoring an 8th round stoppage over Aberdeen's Lee McAllister. [4]

Murray's second defence of the title on 13 June 2009 against Stoke fighter Scott Lawton ended before it had even begun when Murray weighed in for the contest 2oz overweight. Despite efforts to get down to the lightweight limit, Murray was unable to shift the weight and was stripped of the belt. [5] The contest with Lawton still went ahead and resulted in a sixth round stoppage for Murray ensuring that he was still undefeated but no longer a champion. [6] As punishment for failing to make the weight in a championship contest Murray, his trainer Joe Gallagher and his manager Mike Marsden were each fined £1500 by the British Boxing Board of Control. [7]

Murray reclaimed the belt on 3 October 2009 after scoring a fourth round stoppage against former British and European champion Jonathon Thaxton at the Altrincham Leisure Centre. [8] He had his fourth official British title fight on 7 May 2010 against Welsh boxer Gary Buckland this time in Widnes. The fight was also for the vacant European title and resulted in an 11th round stoppage win for Murray who was also able to keep his Lonsdale Belt for good. [9] Murray having won the belt outright chose to vacate in order to defend his European crown with Gavin Rees winning the vacant title against John Watson on 6 November 2010. [10]

European Champion

Murray made the first defence of the European title on 25 September 2010 against the Ukrainian boxer Andriy Kudryavtsev at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan. Kudryavstev had previously fought for the title in 2009 losing to Anthony Mezaache in 12 rounds and had held a number of titles including the Ukrainian national title and the European External Union title. [11] Murray wore down his opponent to score a 9th round stoppage after a high tempo contest. Speaking after the fight Murray said that he knew the fight would be tough after watching Kudryavstev on tape and said that now he wanted to fight the top guys in the lightweight division saying he'd love a "world title shot before Christmas". [12] Murray's next fight however was to be on 2 April 2011, traveling to London's York Hall to defend against Spanish champion Karim El Ouazghari. Both fighters were warned and deducted a point during the fight which Murray eventually won on points over the 12 round distance. [13] The fight against El Ouazghari was Murray's first since joining up with promoter Frank Warren and was described by some as a "scrappy" performance. Murray summed up by saying "It wasn't my best fight, it was like having my debut again. I have cleaned up at domestic and European level and I am looking at moving on". [14] Warren himself said that he'd like to see a fight between Murray and Kevin Mitchell in the future saying "the fans would like to see, but the bottom line is that John is the champion and it's all about what he wants to do." [14]

Kevin Mitchell fight

Murray vacated the European belt in order to fight Kevin Mitchell who was not eligible to challenge for the title due to suffering a loss in his preceding fight with Michael Katsidis. Murray's trainer Joe Gallagher said that John should have been fighting for a world title but as the fight wasn't mandated then beating Mitchell would be a sure way of getting noticed. [15] Mitchell himself had said that the fight represented a "last chance saloon" for him as the fight with Katsidis had resulted in a third round stoppage. Mitchell had cited "personal problems" as having marred his preparation for that fight. [16] The two met at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on 16 July 2011 with Murray suffering a first career defeat via stoppage in the 8th round. [17] Mitchell had hurt Murray in the 7th round and finally scored a knockdown in the 8th before the referee stepped in to call a halt to the fight in what was described as a "superb" contest. [17]

World title shot

On 7 October 2011 it was confirmed that despite a first career defeat in his previous fight Murray would take on Brandon Rios for the WBA Lightweight title on 3 December in New York City. Murray lost the fight by TKO in 11th round. However, Ríos was overweight and was subsequently stripped of his title and had to pay Team Murray $20000 from his purse. The vacant WBA Lightweight title was only able to be won by Murray.

Professional boxing record

36 fights33 wins3 losses
By knockout203
By decision130
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
36Loss33–3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Anthony Crolla TKO10 (12), 2:2019 Apr 2014 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Manchester Arena, Manchester, EnglandFor WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title
35Win33–2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Simpson TKO2 (10), 2:58 1 Mar 2014 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland
34Win32–2 Flag of Argentina.svg Michael EscobarTKO4 (6), 1:4322 Nov 2013 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester, England
33Loss31–2 Flag of the United States.svg Brandon Ríos TKO11 (12), 2:06 3 Dec 2011 Flag of the United States.svg Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USFor vacant WBA lightweight title
32Loss31–1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Kevin Mitchell TKO8 (12), 1:4616 Jul 2011 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Echo Arena, Liverpool, EnglandFor vacant WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title
31Win31–0 Flag of Spain.svg Karim El Ouazghari UD122 Apr 2011 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg York Hall, London, EnglandRetained European lightweight title
30Win30–0 Flag of Ukraine.svg Andriy KudryavtsevTKO9 (12), 2:3925 Sep 2010 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Robin Park Arena, Wigan, EnglandRetained European lightweight title
29Win29–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Gary Buckland TKO11 (12), 1:467 May 2010 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, EnglandRetained British lightweight title;
Won vacant European lightweight title
28Win28–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jon Thaxton TKO4 (12), 2:303 Oct 2009 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Leisure Centre, Altrincham, EnglandWon vacant British lightweight title
27Win27–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Scott Lawton TKO6 (12), 1:5013 Jun 2009 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
26Win26–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lee McAllister TKO8 (12), 1:0017 Jan 2009 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Robin Park Arena, Wigan, EnglandRetained British lightweight title
25Win25–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lee Meager TKO5 (12), 2:2011 Jul 2008 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Robin Park Arena, Wigan, EnglandWon vacant British lightweight title
24Win24–0 Flag of Syria.svg Youssef Al Hamidi PTS810 May 2008 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, England
23Win23–0 Flag of Mexico.svg Miguel Angel MunguiaUD107 Dec 2007 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US
22Win22–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Dean HickmanTKO4 (10), 2:509 Nov 2007 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ice Centre, Nottingham, EnglandWon vacant English lightweight title
21Win21–0 Flag of the United States.svg Lorenzo BetheaTKO7 (10), 0:28 5 May 2007 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US
20Win20–0 Flag of Ghana.svg Ben OdamatteyTKO5 (8), 2:3320 Jan 2007 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Alexandra Palace, London, England
19Win19–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Billy SmithPTS66 Oct 2006 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Goresbrook Lesiure Centre, London, England
18Win18–0 Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Mouibi SarounaUD1015 Sep 2006 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Alexandra Palace, London, EnglandRetained WBC Youth lightweight title
17Win17–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Billy SmithTKO6 (6), 1:3612 Jul 2006 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg York Hall, London, England
16Win16–0 Flag of Colombia.svg Ignacio Mendoza TD8 (10)2 Dec 2005 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ice Centre, Nottingham, EnglandWon vacant WBC Youth lightweight title;
Unanimous TD after Murray could not continue due to forehead swelling
15Win15–0 Flag of the United States.svg Tyrone WigginsKO4 (8), 2:4329 Oct 2005 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Casino du Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
14Win14–0 Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azad AzizovTKO3 (8), 1:5423 Sep 2005 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg George H Carnall Leisure Centre, Trafford, England
13Win13–0 Flag of the United States.svg Johnny WalkerUD66 Aug 2005 Flag of the United States.svg St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida, US
12Win12–0 Flag of France.svg Mounir GuebbasPTS88 Jul 2005 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Leisure Centre, Altrincham, England
11Win11–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Karl TaylorPTS66 Mar 2005 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tara Leisure Centre, Shaw, England
10Win10–0 Flag of South Africa.svg Harry RamogoadiTKO4 (4), 2:029 Dec 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Acton Court Hotel, Stockport, England
9Win9–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Daniel ThorpeTKO2 (6), 2:3626 Nov 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Leisure Centre, Altrincham, England
8Win8–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ernie SmithPTS431 Oct 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tara Leisure Centre, Shaw, England
7Win7–0 Flag of Poland.svg Dariusz SnarskiTKO2 (6)24 Sep 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ice Cenre, Nottingham, England
6Win6–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Anthony HannaPTS42 Jun 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ice Centre, Nottingham, England
5Win5–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Paul RyanTKO1 (4), 2:0512 Mar 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ice Centre, Nottingham, England
4Win4–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Norman DhalieTKO2 (4), 2:3730 Jan 2004 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Goresbrook Leisure Centre, London, England
3Win3–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jason NesbittPTS621 Dec 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Reebok Stadium, Bolton, England
2Win2–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Matthew BurkeKO1 (4)18 Oct 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg MEN Arena, Manchester, England
1Win1–0 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Peter Buckley PTS46 Sep 2003 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Leisure Centre, Huddersfield, EnglandProfessional debut

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References

  1. ↑ Sheehan, Pat (7 August 2008). "Joe king of ring; Beijing Olympics". The Sun.
  2. ↑ Murray Machines on Facebook . Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "Murray joins boxing greats" Manchester Evening News
  4. ↑ "Murray retains lightweight title" BBC Sport
  5. ↑ "Murray loses time on the scales" Archived 17 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine Boxing News
  6. ↑ Murray maintains unbeaten record Archived 5 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Sporting Life
  7. ↑ "Murray hit by £1500 fine" Manchester Evening News
  8. ↑ BBC Sport | Murray reclaims British title
  9. ↑ BBC | Murray stops Gary Buckland to win European crown
  10. ↑ "Rees hopes for European title tilt" BBC Sport
  11. ↑ Andriy Kudryavstev professional record Archived 16 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine Boxrec
  12. ↑ Sky Sports | Solid defence for Murray
  13. ↑ "Murray extends winning run" Sky Sports
  14. 1 2 "John Murray happy to face Kevin Mitchell en route to world glory" The Telegraph |
  15. ↑ Trainer Talk : Joe Gallagher Archived 23 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine Boxrec
  16. ↑ BBC Sport | Mitchell admits that fight against Murray is last chance
  17. 1 2 "Kevin Mitchell stops John Murray in 8th round" BBC Sport
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Nico Salzmann 		WBC Youth lightweight champion
2 December 2005 – August 2007
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Josesito López
Vacant
Title last held by
Scott Lawton 		English lightweight champion
9 November 2007 – 11 July 2008
Won British title		Vacant
Title next held by
Martin Gethin
Vacant
Title last held by
Jonathon Thaxton 		British lightweight champion
11 July 2008 – 12 June 2009
Stripped		Vacant
Title next held by
Himself
Vacant
Title last held by
Himself 		British lightweight champion
3 October 2009 – 6 November 2010
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Gavin Rees
Vacant
Title last held by
Anthony Mezaache 		European lightweight champion
7 May 2010 – June 2011
Vacated
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