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Murray too much for Meager

Unbeaten Mancunian sets sights on Amir Khan after stoppage win

Last updated: 14th July 2008

Murray: Impressive win

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John Murray claimed the vacant British Lightweight crown with an impressive fifth round stoppage of fellow Mancunian Lee Meager.

The fight between the two friends and former sparring partners had been billed as a potential domestic bout of the year and did not disappoint.

However, despite a brave showing from Meager, in truth it was a one-sided affair with Murray a class above his opponent.

At 23, seven years Meager's junior, Murray looked stronger and more assured and landed the more telling punches from the off.

As predicted Meager came forward at every opportunity and looked to get in his rival's face, but Murray picked him off time and again and rocked him with a thumping right in the first.

The barrage of punches continued in the second and Murray wobbled his man with a number of combinations from which Meager did well to recover.

By the third Meager had cuts above both eyes and huge bruise under his right as Murray continued to pick him off, while also covering up well when his opponent did attempt to get something going as an attacking force.

Character alone seemed to get Meager through the fourth as he battled on gamely, but when it arrived in the fifth then end was no surprise.

Having trapped his man on the ropes, Murray unloaded two big left hooks that left the referee little choice but to step in and save a disorientated Meager who was taking some heavy punishment.

Sets sights on Khan

Still unbeaten, Murray was quick to praise his opponent after the fight telling Sky Sports: "I knew he was dangerous and knew if I wasn't at my best he would have knocked me out and that put the fear of God in me.

"I was at my best and you can see how dangerous I can be when I am. It's the best victory (of my career) by far."

Murray then set his sights on a potential bout with Amir Khan adding: "I want to go on to bigger and better things. Let him come here and take on the best kid there is in Manchester."