Report: Murray willing to fight Mitchell

Undefeated John Murray told the London Daily Telegraph newspaper that he's willing to face once-beaten Kevin Mitchell in his next fight, reviving hope for a domestic showdown between the two British stars.

Mitchell (31-1, 23 knockouts) was supposed to fight Murray (31-0, 18 KOs) last Saturday at York Hall in London, a collision that fell through over money disputes. Murray fought Karim El Ouazohari instead, winning a unanimous decisionin his first fight in six months.

"It wasn't my best fight. It was like having my debut again," Murray told the Telegraph. "I have cleaned up at the domestic and European levels and I'm looking at moving on, but if there is a fight there with Kevin Mitchell along the way, then so be it."

Mitchell has been idle since being knocked out by Michael Katsidisin May.

Mitchell sat ringside for the Murray-El Ouazohari fight and told the London Daily Mirrorthat he saw defensive flaws in the reigning European lightweight champion.

"We all know as fighters that it's not a good thing to get caught a lot and to get hit a lot because it will wear you down over the years," he said. But then he expressed respect for his fellow Brit.  

"Murray's at a good level now," Mitchell said. "He's fought for the British, he's fought for the European, he's unbeaten in 31 fights, and he's somebody I definitely want now."

Dennis Tayloris editor/publisher of www.ringsideboxingshow.com and co-host of The Ringside Boxing Show.