By David Avraam: Manchester’s John Murray is ready and waiting to challenge for a world title. The undefeated European Lightweight Champion has an impressive 31 fight record, stopping 18 of his opponents and is a former holder of the British title. He is ranked number #2 by the WBC, #15 by the WBO & #13 by the IBF. But how would he fair against the the champions in the division?
WBC Champion Humberto Soto is a veteran of 65 bouts and is still only 30. He has won 55 fights and stopped 32 of his opponents. Yet to be beaten since moving up to lightweight, Soto might be seen as to hard a challenge for Murray who is yet to gain experience fighting on the big stage.
WBA Champion Brandon Rios is undefeated and has no problem with putting his opponents away. His last 10 wins have been stoppages. He boasts an impressive record with 20 KO’s out of his 27 wins. This fight is unlikely to happen seeing as Murray is not rated by the organization. But with both fighters happy to trade this would surely be an entertaining fight.
IBF title holder Miguel Vazquez would be a tough opponent for Murray. He has only three defeats on his professional record, those coming from his bouts with now reigning World Champions Timothy Bradley and twice to Saul Alvarez. One of his defeats to Alvarez was his pro debut back in 2006. He holds credible wins over Breidis Prescott and would hold a height advantage over Murray.
The WBO champion Juan Manuel Marquez has been in the ring with Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera. And taking into account the way he pummeled Michael Katsidis in his last outing it would be wise for Murray to steer clear.
Murray definitely has the potential to become a World Champion, he needs to choose his next fight carefully and ensure he brings his ‘A Game’
Good Luck John!