Murray eyes EU crown

16 February 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Andy Murray will battle Massimiliano Chiofalo for the European Union lightweight title on the undercard of Bernard Dunnes world title clash with Ricardo Cordoba at Dublins O2 Arena on March 21.

Former amateur star Murray has amassed 14 straight wins since turning professional four years ago and the two-weight Irish champion is hugely excited about making the step up to European level.

Its great to get a crack at the European Union title, he enthused.

Fighting at European level in the pros will definitely be a step up for me but I feel Im ready for it now.

Murrays manager and promoter, Brian Peters, believes that a victory over Chiofalo could result in the Cavan native in securing a bout with European champion Jon Thaxton.

I believe Andy is going to be Irish boxings next big star, Peters stated.

He has tremendous potential and now that hes 26 the time is right for him to start moving up through the levels and I think he has the ability to do that with ease.

Well see how he gets on against Chiofalo but Im confident that having delivered home advantage for him and with a stage like The O2 to perform on hell be on fire on March 21.

As well as winning the EU title it would put him within touching distance of a crack at the full European champion, Jon Thaxton.

I have a good relationship with Thaxtons promoter, Mick Hennessy, and Id be confident of delivering that fight for Andy when the time is right.

Certainly, Murray is more than willing to share a ring with Thaxton.

Thaxtons a hell of a fighter and I have an awful lot of respect for what hes achieved in his career,” he stated.

“Hes awkward and very strong but if the chance came along then of course Id take that fight.

At the moment, though, I just want to concentrate on becoming EU champion. Thats the next hurdle for me and its all thats on my mind for now.