Short break for Murray

10 December 2009 – By Cormac Campbell

Andy Murray will return to the ring early in the New Year, according to Promoter Brian Peters.

Meath businessman Peters was speaking after EU lightweight champion Murray looked rusty in outpointing the unheralded Ecuadorian Alex Bone at Dublins National Stadium on Saturday night. Without going into the specifics of where and when Murray may be in action, Peters said Murray will return by March at the latest.

“There will be two shows in Ireland one in February and one in March,” he revealed.

Reading between the lines, this would include Paul McCloskeys first defence of the European light-welterweight title, most likely at Belfasts Kings Hall, and possibly a contest in Dublin.

“Hopefully we will get him out early again next year. There are a couple of things lined up for early in the New Year including Paul McCloskey.”

Despite acknowledging that Murray was somewhat rusty, Peters said that the unbeaten Cavan talents star will continue to rise.

“It was live on RTE. He is one of the hottest prospects in Irish boxing and he is at a stage of his career where he wont be getting too many easy fights.”

For these tough fights Murray, who had been out of the ring since March having suffered a fractured collarbone in September, needs to be sharper something he accepts.

“You could see I was a wee bit rusty at the start,” he said.

“But Im just glad to be back and with a wee bit more work on the shoulder Ill be faster, sharper and stronger.

“It (the injury) wasnt a problem in the fight but you are always conscious of it. In training you are a bit worried that you arent getting enough sparring. But Ill be back early in the New Year.”