Murray secures Rees shot

7 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Irish lightweight Andy Murray will challenge former world champion Gavin Rees for the vacant European title in Cardiff on June 4 and coach John Breen is adamant the Cavanman is ready to serve up the most impressive victory of his career.

Fittingly, the number one contender’s long overdue continental tilt coincides with his chance to equal the longest ever winning streak in Irish professional boxing, currently held by Johnny Caldwell, but Breen believes his charge is more focused on winning titles than collecting accolades. Breen claims Irish boxings quiet man will prove the hungrier of the Celtic pros and is confident Murray will finally give the people of Cavan title success to shout about after their under-21 footballers failed to win their first ever League title last weekend.

The trainer, who was in Paul McCloskeys corner as he controversially lost to Amir Khan, ironically points at Rees past success as a distinct Murray advantage and claims the Welsh fighters come forward style will play into the three time Irish amateur champs hands. And despite admitting The Rock will prove the Irish mans hardest test to date the Belfast based trainer is predicting a Murray win.

Andy deserves this shot. I am confident he will go on and win the title. The EBU have said the fight is in Cardiff, but he isnt worried about the venue. We are confident Andy will win, Breen told Mirror Sport from Murrays Connemara training camp.

I am not saying Gavin Rees is past it, but he has been at the top. He has been world champion.He has been there done that and this is a good time to get him. Andy wants that success. Andy will be hungrier and fitter. He wants to win titles. We expect Rees to be a tough opponent and come forward non stop, but Andy is super fit he never tires. Rees coming forward will suit Andrew Murray. Andy will be too good and strong for him and will be crowned European Champion on June 4.