Is Murray the right opponent for Khan? by Thomas Rooney Jul 2nd 2008

Following the much publicised views of Frank Warren that Amir Khan isn't quite ready for a World title shot just yet, there has been plenty of discussion with regards to what path Khan should take now. Or more specifically, who his next opponent should be. The latest development is that unbeaten Manchester boxer John Murray has put his name in the hat to face Khan on September 6th. Murray has won each of his 24 fights to date and is set to meet Lee Meager for the vacant British title next week and he clearly has Khan in his sights should be win this bout. Murray is portraying himself as a confident young man, with a summary of his recent ‘call-out' to Khan highlighting that he means business. Enticing a war of words with Khan, Murray has said that: -He would love to fight Amir Khan. -He wants to win the British title and then fight Khan with two belts on the line. -Khan isn't even the best fighter in Lancashire, let alone the world. -He wasn't impressed with Khan during his recent fight with Michael Gomez It is obvious that he is extremely serious about the potential meeting between two of Lancashire's young boxing stars, but is he the right man for Khan to fight? Well, if he is going down the British route first, then I would say – yes, go for it Amir. Duke McKenzie was recently quoted as saying that Khan should fight either Murray or Norwich boxer Jon Thaxton in his next fight. Of the two, I think Murray would be the bigger test and therefore the better option for Khan. It would be an intriguing contest. Of course, in terms of boxing betting, Khan would be the favourite to win – but it would be another close contest because Murray won't go down without a fight. Comparing Khan to Murray would tell you that the latter is two years older, three inches shorter and six professional fights more experienced. Murray is a talented and classy boxer, of that there is no doubt. I'd like to see the boxing odds on him becoming a world champion one day. I'd like to hear your opinions on this. Do you think Khan should take on Murray if he wins the British title? Who would your money be on if the fight did happen?

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Take Care of Domestic Business Jul 3rd 2008, 04:30:16 by neckodeemus The touchdown against Gomez has proven beyond doubt that Khan is not ready for a title shot just yet. In trying to bypass British and European title level you have to wonder if they are trying to protect Amir from Murray/Meager/Romanov/Thaxton, all of whom would provide a stiffer challenge than Michael, who was a fantastic fighter but is beyond his prime, and his weight limit. Khan can either sit on his Commonwealth title hoping for a WBU/WBO title shot or he can go out and fight the names above, including Murray, in order to actually learn and grow as a fighter. An Olympic medal winner snubbing the British title is poor form. Amir likes to talk about defeating the likes of Mayweather (over 4-rounds) and Manny P. Such talk is premature, why not prove his worth, and his chin if we are honest, by taking on the likes of Murray or Romanov. I think it is because of his fragility, I hope he will prove everyone otherwise. Terry   It wont happen Jul 3rd 2008, 01:45:08 by geoff_r I did a gym shoot with John and Joe over at the gym last week and John struck me as a very level headed and very professional boxer...he looked in great shape ahead of his contest with Lee Meager. I've been ringside on most of Johns recent fights and he's always impressed me with not only his skills but his determination to win. By rights for Amir Khan to say he's the best in Britain and if John takes the British title he should be Khan's next opponent....but I somehow think John may be the fighter the Khan camp wants to avoid..... Geoff