The Boxing Blog - Times Online - WBLG

John Murray gunning for Amir Khan

A match between Amir Khan and John Murray would seem a natural. They are both lightweights, young, unbeaten and from Lancashire. Murray also followed Khan (two years after) as young Boxer of the Year and Murray's younger brother Joe - who will be boxing for Great Britain at the Olympics in Beijing - even used to room with Khan during England team trips.
But while Murray, 23, has already boxed twice in Las Vegas, including on the undercard of the De La Hoya-Mayweather bill last year (he has also boxed in Florida and Canada), Khan remains by far the biggest star. So,although Murray is just over a week away from facing Lee Meager for the vacant British lightweight title, he has Khan in his sights.

Ref justice in the Midlands

Two nights in the Midlands, two bits of controversy surrounding middleweight title fights, which cost two boxers their unbeaten records. First there was Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday, when Wayne Elcock retained his British  title on a two-round cuts stoppage against Darren McDermott. Then there was the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, on Saturday, where Steve Bendall got the benefit of a very surprising decision to take the English title from Paul Smith (pictured).

Board's decision a kick in the teeth for McIntyre and Lord Lonsdale

Winning the Lonsdale Belt has always being a proud moment for any boxer, particularly those for whom it will represent the absolute pinnacle of their career. In recent years, the proliferation of titles has meant there have been plenty of ways boxers can reach the top. But the British title and its belt have always been special. A WBU champion must always wonder about what people mutter under their breath, the holder of the Lonsdale Belt has no such worries.

Kell Brook and Barrie Jones tonight meet at York Hall for the vacant British welterweight title, the reasons for the title being vacant are far from satisfying.

More titles, or no belts at all - what is the way forward?

I am sure like a lot of others, I winced when watching post-bout interview on ITV4 after the WBU welterweight title bout between Michael Jennings (left) and Ross Minter. It had been a great domestic scrap, Minter's aggressive style mixing well with the boxing skills on the move of Jennings. After, the pair were particularly respectful to each other and Minter said he knew it would be tough because Jennings was "a world champion". Some may put the pair up for the British Boxing Board of Control's sportsmanship award, others would want Minter up before the Board on a charge of bringing the sport into disrepute.

Mitchell has plenty of reasons to stay positive

Kevin Mitchell has every reason to be a bit fed up ahead of what was supposed to be a big night for him at York Hall this evening.  2007 was a pretty wasted year, 2008 was meant to be when it all came together for him. But it was never going to be that easy.

Moore title fight off

News is just reaching me that Jamie Moore's European title challenge against Zaurbek Baysangurov on December 8 has been postponed.

Hatton beats Calzaghe

Ricky Hatton was the biggest winner at Monday night's British Boxing Board of Control Awards Dinner when he was named Boxer of the Year, beating his fellow nominees Joe Calzaghe, Enzo Maccarinelli and David Haye.