British Scene: John Murray vs Gary Buckland Preview

Dave Oakes previews Friday's lightweight clash between John Murray and Gary Buckland.

With Kevin Mitchell’s move up in weight and imminent challenge for a world title, John Murray faces the prospect of being left behind at British level. Whilst this Friday's fight against Gary Buckland is for the European title as well as Murray’s British belt, it must be said that Murray is facing someone who’s yet to prove he’s good enough to fight for the British title.

Buckland, 18-1 (6KO’s), is hoping to make the most of an unexpected title shot but is taking a massive step up in class. He’s not looked anything special in his nineteen fights to date but is a solid fighter and holds good wins over Craig Docherty and Henry Castle.

In Murray he’s facing a fighter unbeaten in twenty-eight fights (sixteen early) and a fighter who has looked a level above his domestic rivals so far. He came through a difficult period in his career shortly after he won the Young Boxer of the Year award when he seemed to stagnate, but he’s been in great form recently and starts as the red hot favourite on Friday night.

Murray won his last fight in impressive fashion, stopping the well respected Jonathan Thaxton inside four rounds. Murray bullied and battered Thaxton from pillar to post and looked far more controlled than he had previously. It was a very good victory and one which I hoped would propel him to bigger fights. Seven months later and he seems to be taking a step backwards in terms of opposition but the European title might help him secure the big fights in the future.

I don’t think Buckland is in Murray’s league and feel Murray will be too strong and aggressive for the challenger. I can see Murray starting slowly but gradually upping the pace and pressure to stop Buckland inside eight one-sided rounds.

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