This Saturday European Champion John Murray 29-0(17) will make the first defence of his title against grizzled veteran Andriy Kudriavtsev 34-7(15). It wont be an easy for Murray 25, Kudriavtsev started out his career with 5 loses in his first 9 fights and has turned his career around since a bad start to his career. Manchester based Murray will be looking to do something that only former world champion Paulus Moses has so far achieved in stopping the tough Ukrainian. He hopes that if he can take care of business and extend the longest unbeaten current run in British Boxing that he can get a world title fight in the next 12 months. Currently Murray is WBC 3# & WBO 9#.
Hello John, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – This weekend you make the first defence of your European title against Andriy Kudriavtsev what do you know about him? How good do you think he is?
John Murray – I think he’s very good, I watched plenty of tapes and DVD’s on him. Yeah he’s a good fighter. He’s very good at what he does. He throws good bodyshots and he’s very strong. So I’ve got to make sure I’m at my very peak condition, which I have done. I’ve had a great training camp and looking forward to the fight more than anything.
Anson Wainwright – How do you see the fight going?
John Murray – I think he’s going to be competitive early but as the fight wears on my extra level in class should take over and I’m thinking I’ll stop him him around the mid round rounds. Round 8.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about the training you have done for this fight? How long you have been in camp, what sort of things you concentrated on?
John Murray – I’ve had a good 10 week camp. It’s gone really well it’s been one of the best I’ve had in two or three years. I’ve had good quality sparring with my stable mate Anthony Crolla (An 18-2(6) Super Featherweight who’s in training for an English title fight on 2 October against Andy Morris) he’s at our gym. It’s gone well and I’m looking forward to the fight. We used the normal routine. We got a set plan, set structure we use everytime. We’re expecting a really good performance from myself.
Anson Wainwright – In your last fight you won the vacant European title against Gary Buckland stopping him in eleven. What can you tell us about that fight? Looking at that fight how happy were you with that performance?
John Murray – Yeah i was very happy. That fight i only had 3 weeks notice so you know i had to cram a lot of work into them 3 weeks to get myself in shape in time. I went in there, it was a bit rushed (The training) but on the night i broke Gary down steadily over the 11 rounds and considering the late notice it was a very good performance.
Anson Wainwright- How easily do you make Lightweight?
John Murray – I make weight easily. I think i showed that last time. Considering i had 3 weeks i was down on weight and over the 11 rounds i showed how strong i am.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter?
John Murray – I’m managed by Michael Marsden from up Leeds way. My trainer is Joe Gallagher and i’m currently promoted by Mick Hennessy.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career?
John Murray – I only had 24 amateur fights i was 16-8. It was a very short amateur career the first year i went to the school boy final. In the second year i went to the Junior ABA final and in the third year i went to the North West finals of the ABA’s i also boxed for England twice.
Anson Wainwright – Though you obviously don’t want to look past this fight what are your targets for the next 6months to a year?
John Murray – I think i’m knocking on the door for the world title shot. The WBC have me at number 3 now. So it wont be long before i get my chance. I just have to take care of business Saturday and you know after that hopefully i’ll get a world title shot and i’m sure i’ll bring it home.
Anson Wainwright – There is a bit of rivalry between yourself and Kevin Mitchell and Amir Khan what are your thoughts on them and a fight with them?
John Murray – I think me and Khan would be a massive fight down the line. I think Kevin after losing to Katsidis is looking to rebuild. You know down the line maybe we could get it on.
Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro now for 7 years and had 30 fights after this one, how far from a World title do you think you are?
John Murray – I’d like to be a world champion in the next twelve months. I don’t know any reason why I can’t be. I’ve just got to make sure I do a good job Saturday. And after this fight I’m going to hopefully be fighting for a world title or one of the big names & get myself a title eliminator. I’m really excited about the next 12 months.
Anson Wainwright – When your not Boxing what do you like to do with your time? What are your hobbies and interests?
John Murray – I just like to chill out really. I spend a lot of time with my girlfriend we go for meals and stuff like that. I enjoy going to the pictures or me and Joseph (younger brother) will go play some pool. When I’m not training I go for a drink with my mates.
Anson Wainwright – You just mentioned your younger brother Joe, he was a very successful amateur fighting in the Worlds and Olympic games. How he doing at the moment?
John Murray – Yeah he’s fighting on the undercard of my fight on Saturday. He’s looking razor sharp in the gym at the minute. So I’m sure he’s going to be spectacular Saturday night.
Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Lightweight division at the moment?
John Murray – I think the Lightweight division on the world stage is wide open. You know it’s there for the taking. If I can get myself in a fight with Marquez or Katsidis I’ll takeover and become the dominant figure in the Lightweight division.
Anson Wainwright – Who do you think will win when Marquez fights Katsidis?
John Murray -I think Marquez will win it, I think he’s a bit to cute, a bit to clever for Katsidis.
Anson Wainwright – Do you have a message for the Kudriavtsev and the Lightweight division in general?
John Murray – I’m just working hard, training hard and coming for a world title. I’m looking at fighting for a world title in the next 12 months and I’m sure I’m going to bring it home.
Thanks for your time John, good luck on Saturday.
Anson Wainwright
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