Ambitious Murray aims to follow in footsteps of hero Hatton

The exciting Mancunian has been on the brink of the boxing big time for a few years having ruled as lightweight champion of both Britain and Europe but a crack at a world title has so far eluded him. However, he has the chance to make a statement in Liverpool tonight when he clashes with domestic rival Kevin Mitchell in what could be one of the fights of the year at the Echo Arena.

Murray is rarely in a dull fight and with his hero Hatton confirming his retirement last week, the undefeated, Denton-based fighter sees his chance.

"Ricky has always been an idol of mine," he said. "He has hung up his gloves now and there is a hole there for someone to fill. I think if anyone is going to fill it, it will be me." While Hatton never accepted the challenge of his long-time domestic rival Junior Witter, Murray tomorrow engages in battle with Dagenham's Mitchell. It is a north-versus-south clash between two exciting and ambitious fighters, with the nominal WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title on the line. While Murray has been treading water waiting for his chance, Mitchell is on a rebuilding mission and secured the fight despite losing his last bout, an 'interim' world title challenge against Michael Katsidis last year.

Murray (31-0, 18KOs) was an interested observer for that fight and said this week: "I just thought he got exposed. All the way through his career he has fought kids at weight divisions below him, had easy fights and he has not had a good apprenticeship. The same thing is going to happen to him on Saturday night. He is going to get found out."

Elsewhere on the undercard, former amateur star Frankie Gavin, a Birmingham City supporter, fights former Blues footballer Curtis Woodhouse. Feisty Liverpudlian Tony Bellew faces dangerous Ovill McKenzie in a rematch with his Commonwealth belt and the vacant British title on the line.