Murray secures Rees title shot
21 April 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Andrew Murray will fight experienced Welsh fighter Gavin Rees for the European light weight title in June.
The Cavan fighter will have the opportunity to equal the longest ever winning streak in Irish professional boxing, currently held by Johnny Caldwell, but more importantly claim the prestigious continental crown after John Murray officially vacated the title yesterday. John Murray was set to defend against mandatory contender Rees, but failed to lodge a purse bid before the noon deadline and is instead on course for a WBO world title eliminator with Kevin Mitchell. The English mans EBU abdication now opens the way for number 1 contender Andrew Murray(24-0) to fill the void and challenge the experienced Enzo Calzaghe trained Welsh fighter.
The European Boxing Union confirmed yesterday that that a deal for the bout has to be reached before May 2 and that they want the title fight to take place in June.
John Murray has vacated the title. The title will now be disputed between Gavin Rees and Andrew Murray in June. The promoters have until noon May 2 to come to an agreement otherwise the fight will go to purse bids, Enza Jacoponi from the EBU told Mirror Sport.
The John Breen trained lightweight has been on the verge of a title shot for over 12 months and will be delighted with yesterdays announcement, but if he is to become Irelands latest continental champ he will have to produce a career best performance. Irish boxings quiet man, who was a little disappointed with the manner in which he registered his most recent win over Graeme Higginson in the MEN area last week, faces a talented pro in Rees.
The Welshman previously owned the WBA light-welterweight title Paul McCloskey challenged for on Saturday, won Prizefighter and his only career defeat was inflicted by the gloves of Andras Kotlenik.
