Murray on Khan v McCloskey card
8 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Andrew Murray has been given the chance to showcase his talents on the biggest stage after he was added to the undercard of stablemate Paul McCloskeys megabout with Amir Khan on April 16.
The Cavan native takes on former English lightweight title challenger and British number 15, Graeme Higginson(12-8-1) in the MEN Arena on the biggest boxing card in the world so far this year. Despite admitting Higginson does not represent a step up in class for the European number two, coach John Breen still expects Murray to impress his way to a continental challenge.
The former EU Champ has had namesake and EBU Champ John Murray in his sights for the past 12 months and, but for a change of promoter by the Englishman, could have secured a continental tilt. However, Breen believes the pugilist with the longest unbeaten record amongst current Irish fighters can make the British public and Murrays new promoter Frank Warren take note with a solid display on a card that also includes Jamie Kavanagh and move a step closer to becoming European lightweight ring king in the process.
Andy will be out again April 16 on the McCloskey Khan card. He fights British number 15 Graeme Higginson. Andy should beat him, he is not the best fighter Andy has faced, Breen explained to Mirror Sport.
This is a great chance on a massive show for Andy to show case his talents. He can make people outside of Ireland take note of his capabilities. Our main focus is still on John Murray and the European title. A win on this show could help toward securing that fight. I believe John Murray is perfect for Andy and I think Andy beats him. John has signed with Frank Warren recently so we have to start negotiations again. I think Frank has world title plans for John Murray, but if that is the case we get a shot at the vacated belt, Breen added before confirming McCloskey preparations are running smooth.
Pauls training is going great. He started sparring early this week and we have another two more sparring partners coming in tomorrow. We are over the moon as to how things are going so far.
