By Ben Carey
John Murray has been warned not to underestimate Jon Thaxton ahead of their vacant British lightweight title clash tonight. The advice comes from Scott Lawton, a man in a good position to air his views on the fight given that he has shared the ring with both men in previous British title fights.
Lawton, who has also been beaten by Amir Khan, was stopped in seven rounds by Thaxton in March 2007 and beaten a round quicker by Murray in June. Murray and Thaxton headline at the Altrincham Leisure Centre with the Hennessy Sports event live on ITV4 and Lawton believes that Murray will have to be wary of the former British and European Champ’s power.
“Going by the form book you’d have to fancy John Murray,” revealed Lawton . “You would expect him to be too young and simply have too much energy but with Thaxton’s power you can never count him out.”
Lawton challenged Thaxton for the British title in 2007 and had some success early on before being stopped in seven rounds while he took on Murray last time out suffering a sixth round stoppage defeat under the relentless pressure of Murray.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Thaxton catches Murray with one because he still carries a whack,” predicted Lawton . “I still fancy Murray to win it but he might have to get off the floor to do it. Whatever happens it should be exciting anyway because they are both top class fighters and both of them love to get in there and get stuck into a fight.”
My tip is for Murray to grind Thaxton down with body shots in the middle rounds.
