By Brian Peters Promotions
Unbeaten Cavan man Andy Murray and former World Champ, Gavin Rees
look set to serve up a summer sizzler when they clash for the vacant
European Lightweight title in Cardiff on Saturday, June 4th. The two
men meet on a Matchroom Sports promotion at the Motorpoint Arena in
an eagerly anticipated matchup which will be live on Sky Sports.
Murray boasts the longest unbeaten run in Irish boxing and he’s
determined to extend that perfect record to 25 and 0 with a European
title win over local favourite, Rees. This is the chance I’ve been
waiting for, revealed Murray from his isolated training camp in
Connemara on Ireland’s western seaboard. I’ve worked hard to get
into this position and I’m determined not to let it pass me by. I’ve
seen quite a few of Rees’ fights from winning the World title to
winning the Prizefighter and British titles so I know what he’s
about. He’s an excellent fighter and a very experienced professional
so it will be a big test for me but these are the kind of challenges
you want in your career.
Murray last outing in Manchester
High Quality Photo
The 28-year-old Irishman says he has no problems going into the lions
den and is expecting to have plenty support of his own in Cardiff. A
ring is a ring at the end of the day whether it’s in my backyard or
his backyard. Once that first bell rings it will be just the two of
us and the referee in there. I know that a lot of people are planning
to make the trip over to Cardiff and I’m very thankful for all the
support and it will certainly drive me on.
Murray’s has been clocking up the miles on the road and the rounds in
the ring at his Connemara base and he believes the sacrifices will all
prove worthwhile next month. It’s the first time I’ve gone into
training camp for a fight but I’m really enjoying it here. When I’m
training in Belfast it’s a 4 hour round trip from home in Cavan and
that can be draining but here everything is on my doorstep, I’ve
brought in good sparring and I’m working with a strength and
conditioning coach and being in camp has allowed me to focus 100% on
the job at hand.
Rees however is determined to inflict the first defeat on Murray’s
unblemished slate and capture the European title in front of his home
fans. It’s great to have home advantage and it’s up to me now to make
the best of it, said the former WBA light welterweight champion.
I’ve a lot of respect for Andy Murray. He’s unbeaten and I’m sure he
sees this as his big chance. I haven’t watched that much of him as I
never watch all that much of my opponents, I leave that to my
trainer, Gary Lockett. From the little bits I have seen he puts his
combinations together well and he seems to be a nice little boxer but
Im experienced enough now not to worry too much about my opponent.
Rees has been out of action since winning the British Lightweight
title last November due to a persistent nose injury but the Newport
native says that’s behind him now. Training for this fight has gone
great and I’m just tuning up now so I’m ready for action. The nose is
fine again, I had it cauterized and I haven’t had any problems so it’s
not an issue for me anymore.
While Rees won his World title one division up at light welterweight
he feels happier being back at lightweight. This is my natural
weight really. The only reason I went up to light welterweight was
because the World title opportunity came about but lightweight is
where I’m at my best.”
