Murray claims EU crown
22 March 2009 – By Cormac Campbell
The O2 undercard saw unbeaten Cavan stylist Andy Murray extend his unbeaten ledger to 15-0 (7) with a comprehensive points victory over Spaniard Daniel Rasilla.
In the process of securing scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 119-109, Murray picked up the EU lightweight crown. The result will bolster Murrays European ranking with a shot at the full EBU crown among the options for the next 12 months. Alternatively, Murray, on the basis of his mothers English nationality, could box for British and Commonwealth crowns.
Having moved to John Breens camp in Belfast, Murrays conditioning was noticeably improved for his clash with Rasilla. Having sparred extensively with Paul McCloskey and Michael Kelly, Murray looked sharp throughout and was value for his victory.
The seemingly evergeen Jim Rock, now 37, was also successful, having bested former John Duddy foe Alessio Furlan over 10 rounds.
Dubliner Rock (30-4 (12), a grandfather, was quick to dust himself down after his contest to take up position as an analyst for RTEs live broadcast.
Dundalks Michael Kelly retained his unbeaten record but did so only after securing a draw with Valentins Morozovs. A rematch is unlikely, with Kelly well placed to take on Oisin Fagan for an Irish title when the Dubliner returns from injury in May.
There was further disappointment for Anthony Fitzgerald who lost his second fight on the spin after being stopped in the third round by Janis Chenouskis.
Further down the card, Olympic bronze medallist Paddy Barnes outpointed Jimmy Linden 11-1 over three comfortable rounds, whilst World Youth Champion Ray Moylette was made to work for victory over Rob Gorman.
