Irish Murray wants English Murray
Unbeaten Cavan star Andy Murray is hoping to gatecrash the world title scene this Saturday with a win over Claudinei “Volcano” Lacerda when they meet in the main event of the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort in Mayo. The fight is live on RTÉ TWO as European number three Murray puts his 22-fight unbeaten record on the line against Lacerda, a 30-year-old Brazilian who is the reigning WBO Latino champ.
“It's definitely my toughest fight to date,” revealed Murray. “I've watched a few of Lacerda's fights and he's strong, aggressive and he looks to be a puncher but I can't wait for Saturday now. These are the kind of fights you really look forward to and it's live on RTÉ which is an added bonus because it really helps to boost your profile.”
Murray's name has been linked with a possible European title clash with his namesake, John Murray from Manchester and the Irish Murray says it's a clash he'd relish.
“I'll be ready for that fight if and when it comes. I'm number three in Europe so I'm knocking at the door and as soon as it opens I'll be ready to take my chance but at the moment Lacerda is the only guy I'm focused on. He's world rated so this is a chance for me to make an impact on the world scene so it's a big night for me.
“I boxed in the Breaffy House once before and ironically enough that was against another Brazilian, Wellington DeJesus and I stopped him in the first so maybe that's a good omen for me.”
Last time out Murray had an points win over veteran Johnny Nolasco and he believes that fight has improved his game. “You can only learn from being in with guys like Nolasco because they have all that experience and are very crafty. I felt comfortable enough in there, I was trying different things in the fight, some worked, some didn't but it was a good learning fight for me. I'm always conscious that when you step up in level it's important that you apply pressure but without being reckless and leaving yourself open and that's why I tried to do against Nolasco.”
