Thaxton not a write-off

Sky Sports Lizzy Rose1st October, 2009

Jon Thaxton's chance of beating John Murray to the British lightweight title on Saturday should not be underestimated, according to the current English champion.

Scott Lawton has been in the ring with both men in the past and said although Murray looks to be the favourite for the Altrincham clash, Thaxton shouldn't be written off.

"Going by the form book you'd have to fancy John Murray," Lawton said.

"You would expect him to be too young and simply have too much energy but with Thaxton's power you can never count him out."

Lawton challenged Norwich's Thaxton for the British title in 2007, but the 35-year-old retained the belt with a seventh-round stoppage victory.

Lawton suffered a similar fate against Manchester boxer Murray, falling to a sixth-round defeat in June this year.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Thaxton catches Murray with one because he still carries a whack," he said.

"I still fancy Murray to win it but he might have to get off the floor to do it."