A Murray of a Different Kind

Andy Murray will be looking to record another win in London on July 18th when he takes to the ring at the York Hall in Bethnal Green. However tennis fans need not fear, because this Andy Murray is intent on making his name inside the ring and not on the tennis court. Unbeaten in 15 professional bouts Cavan’s Andy Murray is one of Irish boxing’s brightest hopes and currently holds the European Union Lightweight title. The 26-year-old will go in search of win number 16 at the York Hall with the British Light Heavyweight title clash between Danny McIntosh and Nathan Cleverly topping the bill. The Hennessy Sports event is live on ITV4 with Murray set to meet Sheffield’s Adam “The Outlaw” Kelly in an undercard bout. Although he’s now training out of John Breen’s successful Belfast gym Murray is no stranger to London. “I was based in England for the first couple of years of my pro career and six of my first eight pro fights were in London,” explained Murray. “I’m looking forward to fighting there again and especially at the York Hall because it’s a great venue and has a great tradition.” Murray’s last appearance came at The O2 in Dublin in March on the undercard of Bernard Dunne’s WBA World Super Bantamweight title win. Dunne wasn’t the only Irishman to collect a belt on the night with Murray adding the European Union title to Irish titles won at lightweight and light welterweight. “The atmosphere that night was something else and Bernard winning the world title has been a real lift for Irish boxing,” said Murray. “He’s proved to the other Irish pro’s that if you put in the work and persevere the results will come your way. Hopefully there will be plenty more nights like that over the next few years and I hope to be part of them.” Murray’s points win over Spanish champion Daniel Rasilla in Dublin was his first time to complete the 12 round championship distance and he feels that the experience will stand to him. “I was trying to pace myself and I actually felt I still had plenty left in the tank at the finish. It was a good learning experience and it’s a good psychological barrier to cross for any pro. I’m still improving and I’m in the perfect gym to do it in. “Hopefully I can use the European Union title as a stepping stone to the full European title but that’s all a bit further down the road. The only thing I’m concentrating on now is this fight at the York Hall and getting a good win there.” A clash of unbeaten fighters tops the bill at the York Hall on July 18th with Danny McIntosh and Nathan Cleverly squaring off for the British Light Heavyweight title. The undercard features former British and European Champion Jon Thaxton and unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury’s seventh professional outing. Hot prospects Steve O’Meara, Lee Purdy, Dwayne Lewis, Bobby Ward and Del Rogers are also in action on a packed night of championship boxing that also features recent Big Brother evictee Angel McKenzie in her 18th pro fight.