Murray hint for Amir James Robson July 30, 2009 AMIR Khan has been told to forget about a battle of Britain clash with Ricky Hatton and instead focus his attention on John Murray. Khan has made no secret of his desire to take on the Hitman after becoming WBA light-welterweight champion earlier this month. He is also eyeing money-spinning fights with Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez in the US. That means the likes of stripped British lightweight champion, Murray, will be off his radar for the foreseeable future. But Murray's trainer, Joe Gallagher, is convinced his man would be an ideal opponent for Khan. The 24-year-old, ranked at number 12 in the world, was on stand-by to take on Khan at the M.E.N. Arena if his world title clash with Andreas Kotelnik fell through for a second time. And despite Khan announcing himself on the world stage with his unanimous points victory against the Ukrainian, Gallagher believes Murray could be the man to bring him back down to earth. "I would take Amir against John Murray at the drop of a hat," he said. "I like him and he's got great heart, but despite Freddie Roach being given a lot of praise for the work he's done with him, he's not ironed out all the flaws. "We would expose him - it is just a matter of getting that one opportunity. Ambitious "Amir would love to fight Ricky Hatton - everyone would. The wolves are out and sensing blood. "But instead of going after someone like Ricky, why not go for a young, hungry, ambitious fighter like John?" Murray was stripped of his British title after failing to make the weight for his clash with Scott Lawton in June. But he still won comfortably in six rounds to continue his 27-fight unbeaten record. Gallagher believes he is a world champion in the making and that a clash with Khan would be a classic. "Amir is the nation's favourite," he said. "I see Khan v Murray like Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler. "Murray would be like Hagler - the hard worker from the streets and Khan is the golden boy. It would be a great fight and there would be more of a turn out than there was for the Kotelnik fight." Junior Witter is another man who is eyeing Khan - setting his sights on a unification bout if he beats Devon Alexander on Saturday to regain the WBC title. "I think I'm the last guy Khan wants to meet but it would be a natural unification fight for the UK" said Witter. "Ricky Hatton avoided me for long enough when he was world champion and I'm sure Khan won't want to get the same reputation. But it would be a short night's work for me - I'd knock him out inside three rounds. "Khan landed plenty of leather on Kotelnik and his chin is vulnerable so if he comes up against a proper hitter like me again it will be a short night." MATTHEW Macklin is being lined up for a European title shot against Amin Asikainen. The British middleweight champion is due to defend his belt against Darren Barker in September - but those plans could be shelved if the Asikainen clash can be confirmed. Who would win - Khan or Murray? Have your say. Most recent user comments 6 of 6 1 Show 25 | This content is protected per page This fight is about John weathering the 'storm' of the early rounds, then grinding Amir down and taking the centre of the ring. If he then makes him box on the back foot and breaks his rythm and plants his feet and lands heavy solid shots, Amir will struggle to take them. A lot will depend on the ref as John likes to get in close and cut up rough within the rules. John also loves a right hook which is usually a bit of a pub punch for an orthodox stance but he executes it when his opponent is up against the ropes which allows him to get away with it. I'd advise him to look for the left hook to the chin of Amir cos he loves to drop his right hand off there as we've seen since the amateur days. I fancy John for this one myself. Hands of Stone, Southside 31/07/2009 at 20:05 This content is protected Please let us know the reason you find the above comment inappropriate. Reason: Sending your report, please wait... khan has not got a good chin, that we all know, he is quick with both hands, he wins with combination of punches, someone like murray, that can move his head, will not be an easy target for khan, we he cope with the leather from john, i dont think so, i cant see can being a problem for hatton either, khan would end up on the canvas, with hatton or witter. but you can not compere khan for sugar ray, or the other guy for hagler. you can wake up from that dream. EBYGUM, MANCHESTER 31/07/2009 at 11:36 This content is protected Please let us know the reason you find the above comment inappropriate. Reason: Sending your report, please wait... Come on, lets have it. John's the man! If Khan wants to prove himself, he's got John or Prescott, no-one else will do. Barrera/Morales great names on you record mate, but they're featherweight has beens sportcity kid, eastlands 30/07/2009 at 13:51 This content is protected Please let us know the reason you find the above comment inappropriate. Reason: Sending your report, please wait... khan will run around trying to pick murray off, but i would expect murray to close him down and land a proper right on khans chin and lights out!!! dessie, manchester 30/07/2009 at 13:21 This content is protected Please let us know the reason you find the above comment inappropriate. Reason: Sending your report, please wait... I agree great fight khan v murray at the men arena as well , local rivalry top atmosphere , i pick john in a great tear up damien stephens 30/07/2009 at 11:45 This content is protected Please let us know the reason you find the above comment inappropriate. Reason: Sending your report, please wait.. .
Joe Gallagher is getting a bit ahead of himself here...I particularly like the part where he compares John Murray to Marvin Hagler
Murray is an average domestic prospect who will not get near world title contention. Good luck to the lad but talking of an Amir Khan fight is daft and well beyond him.
Unfair yes. He is more a solid champion now but if he is to struggle to make lightweight then life is going to be tougher at light welter.
