John Murray is determined to beat Lee Meager on Friday night, and not just because he wants to take home the British Lightweight belt.
Reds fan Meager eager for a magical night like Euro final in Moscow
John Murray is determined to beat Lee Meager on Friday night, and not just because he wants to get his hands on the British Lightweight belt.
The two Manchester boxers go toe-to-toe in front of the
Sky Sports cameras to decide who will claim the vacant domestic title.
However, the former sparring partners are rivals outside the ring as well, with Murray a die-hard Manchester City fan and Meager a former season ticket holder at Old Trafford.
Their footballing loyalties will certainly add an extra edge to their bout at the Robin Park Centre, which is
live on Sky Sports 1 from 10pm.
Rivalry
"I'm a Man City fan and I know Lee is a big Red, but this is boxing and not football and I'm going to make sure the blue side of Manchester is the winner in this derby for a change," said Murray.
"We had some right wars when we sparred together and if the fight is anything like them it will be as feisty as any Man United-Man City derby.
"City have been doing better recently and like me they are going to be a new force over the next year."
"It's not just local pride at stake but the British title, and we both need the win to push our own careers on."
While the unbeaten Murray is confident of glory, Meager believes he will come out on top and become the British champion for a second time.
The 30-year-old from Salford previously held the strap in 2006 but lost it on his first defence against Jon Thaxton, who has since vacated it to target European glory later this year.
Extra edge
"I'm a massive Man United fan and used to be a season ticket-holder so with John being a City fan, it adds that extra bit of edge to it," said Meager.
"I went out to Moscow for the Champions League Final against Chelsea in May and I certainly want to make sure United get the better over City in this title fight.
"I was born in Salford and even went to school in Tyldesley, which isn't far away from the Robin Park Arena in Wigan.
"So fighting there is going to be special for me and hopefully I'll have a few old mates there."
