MANCUNIAN super-featherweight Joe Murray’s only career defeat in 16 professional fights so far came in September against Liam Walsh via majority decision. This Saturday (February 28) at London’s O2 Arena, the 28-year-old will attempt to wrest the British and Commonwealth titles from Walsh’s grasp in a rematch.
Your fight with Liam Walsh was a close one. Do you think you deserved to win?
I was happy with my performance โ I definitely thought I won. I donโt think he can do anything different than what he brought to the first fight, whereas I think I can do a lot of things differently. My confidence is a lot higher now. That fight was my first at super-featherweight. Iโve been there now and got the t-shirt. Heโs already beaten me and taken my โ0โ, now itโs time for me to take his. Iโm ready to rip them titles off him.
Your only action since the Walsh defeat has come in the shape of a second-session stoppage of Gyula Tallosi in November. Ideally, would you prefer to be heading into the rematch with more rounds under your belt?
Iโve been kept out of the ring for quite a while, but Iโm in boxing to box โ Iโll fight anyone. I feel like a lot of boxers say theyโll fight anyone, but thatโs not really the case. That’s why Iโve got to give a lot of credit to Walsh. He didnโt have to take the fight against me, so fair play that he has. However, heโs going to regret it, because Iโve matured into a bigger fighter now. The first time I fought him I was a lot smaller, as it was my first fight at super-featherweight. I feel stronger and faster now, so I canโt wait for the fight. Iโm eager to make a statement.
After contesting nine bouts from 2009-2010, you have only fought seven times since 2011. Has this inactivity been very frustrating for you?
Thatโs just the way boxing is. Iโve never really had any injuries or anything like that. I could have fought at any time, as Iโve done a lot of sparring and never been out of the gym. Unfortunately, boxingโs more like a hobby than a job for me these days. I like the sport and I do it for fun. I want to be the best in the division, and thatโs why Iโm chasing the big fights.
Since the age of 13, I’ve constantly been training and wearing my body out, so I think having this rest has been a blessing in disguise in a way. I’ve been able to work on stuff in the gym without having to prepare for specific fights or opponents.
You are now trained by your brother and retired ex-world title challenger, John Murray. How has this been?
Itโs been good. Iโll always trust my brother. He probably knows me better than anyone because weโve sparred each other for years and years. I had a falling out with [former coach] Joe Gallagher, went to other gyms, but I just couldnโt settle. When I started working with John it was a lot better for me. If he thinks Iโm slacking heโll let me know. I used to be tense in the ring, but heโs got me to relax. He knows when I should take my time, when I should fire, and when I should hold. He’s helped me to mature into my style a lot more.
Are you satisifed with your progress so far as a pro, or did you expect to have achieved more by now considering you were an Olympian and World bronze medallist as an amateur?
Like I’ve said in the past, I wish I’d never turned pro. Iโve had 16 fights in six years, whereas I had 24 fights as an amateur in one year. Iโm a boxer who likes to stay busy, Iโm a boxer who likes to keep fighting. Iโm a boxing man and I want to go out and fight. I wanted to fight Stephen Smith, Iโve been calling out everybody but no oneโs come back to me. That’s why Iโm grateful to Walsh for taking the rematch. I just wish professional boxers fought more regularly. I think the pros is more of a business than a sport. If your face fits for television, youโll get on and youโll get paid, and if it doesnโt, youโll be left at the side. Nevertheless, I wouldnโt be in the sport if I didnโt think I could go all the way. If I didnโt think I could reach the top, Iโd just hang my gloves up.
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