‘Forgotten Olympian’ Murray steps up in class
Olympian Joe Murray is to step up in class by taking on former European title challenger Yuri Voronin over eight rounds at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham on March 26. Anthony Small’s British light-middleweight title defence against Sam Webb headlines this Hatton Promotions show.
Now in his second year as a pro, the unbeaten Murray will fight in the capital for the first time and the 23-year-old super-bantamweight is relishing the opportunity.
“I’m really excited. I’m always looking to show people around England that my talent is as good as the other Olympians (James DeGale, Billy Joe Saunders and Tony Jeffries),” began Murray courtesy of a press release. “People say I’m the forgotten Olympian so I can’t wait to go to London and show my talent.”
Murray disappointingly fell at the first hurdle at the Olympic Games in Beijing when he was controversially outpointed by China’s Yu Gu in his opening bout. The Manchester man’s injustice was quickly overshadowed by teammate James DeGale’s brilliant gold medal winning triumph.
As DeGale turned pro under intense public scrutiny inside Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena last February, Murray debuted a month later in a non-televised six-rounder against Sid Razak in front of a few hundred spectators at the Altrincham Leisure Centre. Despite their contrasting starts in the pro ranks many believe Murray will match DeGale’s success, and may even exceed it.
Veteran Yuri Voronin will provide a clearer indication of Murray’s potential. The 36-year-old, 27-10-2, shook Bernard Dunne in the final round before conceding a close ten-round verdict to the recently retired Irishman in May 2005 and lost on points to Nicky Cook in a European featherweight title challenge ten months later. The veteran Ukrainian’s form has been patchy of late though, losing three of his last six, which includes a stoppage defeat against Bury’s unbeaten Scott Quigg in Wigan last November.
“He’s a tough, durable kid and I’m sure he’ll come to win. This will be his third visit to England and I’m sure he’ll try and cause an upset. That’s why I’ve got to be in the gym and ready for him,” said Murray of Voronin.
Joe, younger brother of British lightweight champion John Murray, has been progressing quietly but assuredly under the stewardship of long-time trainer Joe Gallagher based in the Manchester suburb of Denton. Murray’s improvement was clearly evident during his stoppage over the previously unbeaten George Mchedlishvili in January. Mchedlishvili entered the ring with plenty of ambition and was competitive early on before being undone by Murray’s blinding speed and spiteful body assaults in round four.
“This will be his (Murray’s) seventh fight and it has been a great first year,” acknowledged Gallagher. “In his last few fights he’s had great stoppages over Barrington Brown and George Mchedlishvili. They’ve been fantastic performances so I’m looking forward to Joe putting on another good performance and coming away with the win on March 26th”
Ticket Prices for the event are £30.00 for General Admission and £75.00 VIP Ringside, and can be bought by ringing 0161 775 7500, Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
