Rees still hot on Murray’s heels

Gavin Rees has been installed as the official contender to European lightweight champion John Murray, just six weeks after the Welshman was also named as the mandatory challenger for Murray’s British crown.

The European Boxing Union has set a deadline of 28th December for representatives from Murray and Rees to reach an agreement. Murray successfully defended his EBU lightweight championship with a ninth round stoppage over Andriy Kudryavtsev in Wigan ten days ago.

Promoters Matchroom recently submitted the winning purse bid to stage Murray’s British title defence against Rees but with a date and venue still to be confirmed, rumours have been rife that Murray will vacate his Lonsdale belt to concentrate on securing a world title shot.

Speculation has recently suggested that former WBA light-welterweight champion Rees could be paired with Liverpool’s John Watson for the British lightweight title, in the event of Murray relinquishing. Neither Watson or Rees have been prepared to comment, however, as discussions seemingly continue behind the scenes.