Healy claims light-heavy title
22 November 2010 – Jonny Stapleton
Andy Murray got up of the floor to out point world number 14 Claudinei Lacerda and become the owner of the longest unbeaten record amongst current Irish boxers last Saturday night.
However, its titles and not unblemished slates that the Cavan native is interested. And after surpassing stablemate, Paul McCloskey by going 23 bouts undefeated, Murray stated he is now intent on emulating the Dungiven mans European success.
The three time Irish amateur champion certainly proved his continental credentials last weekend passing his toughest boxing test to date and dramatically defeating the Latino champion in Castlebar.
The John Breen trained pug showed he has as much guts as guile registering a 98-92 points victory over the tough Brazilian despite suffering a first round knockdown.
In fact, so impressed was Murray’s opponent with the Irish lightweights performance that he presented him with his WBA Latino title after the fight. Murray’s latest win puts him in European title contention and he not only climbed up of the canvas on Saturday he also climbed into the world top 15, but not without giving his fans a scare.
Lacerda landed an over hand right just 50 seconds after the opening bell to ensure Murray took only his second count of he entire boxing career.
He hit me with harder shots earlier in the round and I took them. I think I was more off balance than anything else. Murray said of the knock down But, even if I wasnt off balance it was a 10-8 round in his favour and I had to accept that and come back from it. I think it showed a lot of courage and showed people Murray can dig deep when the likes of a crisis or a knock down comes. When I sat down in the corner John (Breen) just told me we lost that round lets forget about it and win the next on and thats what I did.
He was definitely the strongest fighter I have ever fought. He had power in both hands but I wasnt too worried. I caught him with some nice shots and I could have stepped in a little more, but overall I am happy with the win and how I performed, the quiet man of Irish boxing added.
The impressive victory should see Murray move menacingly toward the EBU mandatory position. And when quizzed about a possible bout with reigning continental lightweight champion and namesake John Murray, the Cavan favourite, who registered his sixth win in nine months on Saturday, was positive.
Why wouldnt I want to face him. What is the point in hanging around in this game. We are in it to win titles and I want a shot a the European title.
Manager Brian Peters is confident of securing a deserved title tilt for the economical and accurate puncher, but hinted Murray may be in line for bigger things.
If something else a bit tastier than a European title came up we would take it. I think Andy stepped up another grade tonight and proved he is ready for John Murray or whoever is European Champion or even something a bit bigger. We have to remember the Brazialan is a good fighter and is in the top 15 in the World, that was a great win for Andy.
