John Murray wants to line up a second shot at a World title by announcing himself back to the big time with a devastating win over local rival Anthony Crolla at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Murray returned to the ring in November following a two-year absence and defeated John Simpson in impressive fashion in March with a second round stoppage, flooring the Scotsman three times in the round.
Now he wants to return to World level and believes victory over fellow Manchester Lightweight Crolla should lead back him to the top.
“I am a better fighter after my break and it doesn’t matter what Anthony comes with, because I will have an answer for it,” said Murray. “I am going to win the fight, and I am going to do it in brutal fashion as well.
“I am expecting a really tough fight. I know how tough Anthony is; he is on the verge of fighting for a World title. I see myself getting back up to World title level as well so it is going to be a tough fight.
“I think I deserve a World title fight. If I beat Crolla, I think the next fight should be a World title fight. I have shown I am World class against Brandon Rios, I know I have had a break but that break wasn’t down to me, it was down to the brain scan. It was out of my hands but I have been in the gym working hard.
“I put on a devastating display against John Simpson and proved that I am still a contender. If I beat Crolla I will prove I am deserving of a World title shot, and I hope I get that.
“I am not worried about Anthony; he will be more worried about me. I think me at my best beats Anthony at his best. This is the biggest fight of my career. I am looking forward to it and I am really up for it.”
Murray’s clash with Crolla is part of a great night of action in Manchester, topped by Scott Quigg’s WBA World Super Bantamweight title defence against Tshifhiwa Munyai.
Josh Warrington defends his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Rendall Munroe, Tyrone Nurse meets Tyler Goodjohn for the vacant English Light Welterweight title, Hosea Burton is hunting a first title fight and there’s action for Callum Smith, Stephen Foster Jr, Jack Massey, Liam Hanrahan and Sam Hyde.
