Boxing for the famous Irish club Holy Family ABC, personal trainer Murray defeated Julio Berry at 62 kilos, at light welterweight, following a unanimous decision in Alhambra, south Philadelphia.
Murray said: ‘I was delighted to have won, it’s a great scalp with Julio being ranked sixth in the States.
He was a strong boy who looked to come forward all the time so I had to box at long range and kept it straight.
‘It was a lot harder than I expected but I boxed really well on the night.
‘It was a fantastic evening, all the Irish lads are top kids with a host of national titles between them and I believe I mixed in well with them at the level.’ Murray, who was coached by top Irish National coach Gerry Storey – who has been to several Olympic Games and coached the famous Barry McGuigan – said the week-long trip included many sparring sessions while their hosts laid on plenty to do – including a dinner attended by former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier and his son Marvis.
‘It was an excellent evening with the Fraziers and they had many stories to tell.
Overall it was a brilliant trip and a very good result for the team.
‘The Irish won 7-3, there were around 700 spectators, the atmosphere was great and I loved every minute of it.
‘We sparred at the Harrygate Boxing Gym with the Americans and to be truthful all the routines they use are similar to what Leonis coach Dave Thompson does so that’s proof he is on the ball with all the latest training methods.’ A party of Murray’s Leonis clubmates, meanwhile, were hosted by boxing promoter Dennis Hobson for his fighter Clinton Woods’ successful defence of the IBF light heavyweight world championship against Julio Cesar Gonzalex at the Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield, over the weekend.
Said Thompson, who accompanied the nine youngsters: ‘It was a brilliant fight and the first time many of the lads had seen professional boxing.
It was a great gesture from Dennis.’
