Joe Murray wins to secure a Beijing berth by Terry Dooley Oct 30th 2007

Joe Murray defeated Bruno Julio of Mauritius on points, 26-19, to progress to the next round of the World Amateur Championships in Chicago. Murray, who boxes out of Mosside ABA, is the first British boxer to make it to the quarterfinals. Murray heads into the last eight with his place in the Beijing Olympics secured. Success in this tournament would give him a great boost ahead of next years Games. Murray has produced some great form already in this tournament. He saw off Max Marquez of Argentina via third round stoppage before going onto defeat highly rated Mexican Carlos Quiora, the Pan American Champion, on points in the prior rounds. Murray led from the front throughout the Julio bout. Prior to the tournament it was felt that these games would suit the more rounded style of Murray. International bouts tend to be high-scoring affairs and this suits the approach of Murray, who likes to mix body shots in with his straight, point scoring, blows. Murray once roomed with Amir Khan during Amir's a Junior Olympics tournament in Louisiana. Murray now hopes that he can follow Khan's Olympic medal winning footsteps. Murray had ideal preparation for the games, he sparred with Stephen Foster Junior before leaving for Chicago and the experience is proving valuable for Murray. Further rounds of the tournament are set to be televised on Sky Sports TV. Murray can now net some national exposure ahead of next summer. It is going to be a good week for the Murray family as Joe's brother John has been preparing for his lightweight English title bout with Dean Hickman by taking in some quality sparring. John is sparring with Ricky Hatton three times this week, the first session was Monday, and he hopes that sparring with a world Champion will prepare him for anything that Hickman can produce. Murray will take part in up to eighteen rounds of action with Hatton over the course of the week. Monday's session went well. Hatton was said to have been impressed by the strength and skill of Murray. Hatton is preparing for a December 8th clash with Floyd Mayweather but felt that he could incorporate assisting Murray into his own training regime. For Murray the benefits are obvious, he hopes the rounds will improve him as a fighter and help him lift the English lightweight title on November the 9th.

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