‘Bam Bam’ to meet former European champion

Undefeated lightweight star Brandon Rios will put his world title on the line against Britain’s John Murray on December 3^rd at Madison Square Garden in New York according to ESPN’s Dan Rafael.

The 25 year-old, who has a 28-0-1 record, makes the second defence of the 135lb belt after annihilating Urbano Antillon in three rounds last July and will lend chief support to the headlining rematch between Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto.

Murray, 26, suffered his first career loss in the summer when going down in the eighth round to a rejuvenated Kevin Mitchell, who himself was linked to the bout before the Manchester fighter emerged as favourite.

Leeds-based Murray (31-1, 18 KO’s) has recently relocated after spending his most successful period with trainer Joe Gallagher and will now go into the bout without his former mentor.