Murney will launch her pro career in Leicester
COMMONWEALTH GAMES STAR TO BOX AT MORNINGSIDE ARENA
PAIGE Murney will launch her professional boxing career in Leicester, writes Matt Bozeat.
Promoter Carl Greaves has announced the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist will box on his show at the Morningside Arena on Saturday, December 12.
Murney has made the switch to professional boxing after an outstanding amateur career that included a bronze medal at the European Union Championship 2017.
She also competed in World and European Championships.
The 26-year-old, from Braunstone, will be managed by Dave Coldwell and will have Ajmal “Hudge” Butt in her corner.
The Leicester Unity chief trained Murney as an amateur and also has Lyon Woodstock and CJ Challenger in his Beaumont Leys gym.
For Murney, the fight at the Morningside Arena will be her first in Leicester since 2013.
That was a breakthrough win over England international Oriance Lungu at Leicester Railwaymen’s WMC.
Murney said: “It will be strange waking up in my own bed during fight week.
“A lot has happened since the last time I boxed in Leicester.
“I’ve been boxing all over the world and a lot of people are saying they want to come and watch me.
“I’m looking forward to starting the next chapter of my boxing career in front of my family and friends.
“The Morningside Arena is a great venue and I’m really looking forward to putting on a show.
“This is the right time to be turning professional.
“Women’s boxing is on the rise.
During lockdown, some of the best fights were women’s fights.
“There are a lot of good girls around at the moment.”
Murney is confident she will go on to compete at the highest level as a professional.
“Professional boxing is different,” she said.
“There are no headguards and the fights are longer.
“But my amateur pedigree has given me the fundamentals and experience.
“Being with the Great Britain squad, I sparred with a lot of quality girls with different styles.
“I’ve been competing and sparring at a high level for a while and I’m hoping that means I will be moved along a bit quicker in the pros.”