I noticed a latest image posted with former world title challenger John Scully together with his good friend, and former world champion, Charles “The Pure” Murray.
This took me down the late Eighties to early 2000s junior welterweight/welterweight freeway. And, what a journey that was.
South Orange, New Jersey-born Murray would flip professional in 1989 and wrap up his 15-year run in 2014 with a powerful report of 44-9, 26 KOs.
All through his profession, he examined himself towards an extended record of contenders and champions. His profession spotlight was a 1993 IBF tremendous light-weight world title, UD win towards Rodney Moore over 12 rounds in Atlantic Metropolis.
Murray turned professional in ‘89, after a powerful beginner profession, and would go 19-0 by 1991 earlier than dropping a choice to future world title challenger Terrance Ali.
After that, he would go 8-0 from 1991 to early 1993, together with wins over future legend Micky Ward, former world champion Livingstone Bramble, and contender Tony Martin, amongst many others. This might take him to his world title win in Could of 1993.
After beating Moore, he would make 2 title defences, towards Juan Laporte and Courtney Hooper in ’93, earlier than shedding the title to Jake Rodriguez in early 1994.
From 1994-2000, he would have 16 bouts, coming in at 13-3, solely dropping fights to proficient Ray Olivera (twice) and thunderous punching Mexican Alfonso Sanchez.
Nonetheless, on this 6-year run, he additionally posted victories over Fitz Vanderpool, Tony Lopez, Reggie Inexperienced, a rematch win over Jake Rodriguez, Livingstone Bramble (once more), and Israel Cordona. A powerful record, to say the least!
He would end off his profession with 4 extra bouts from 2000-2004.
Charles Murray, a long-time Rochester, New York resident, was honored with a ‘Champions Parade’ in 2016 by Monroe County legislator Willie Lightfoot. He was described by Lightfoot as “A champion out and in of the ring. A younger man raised in a challenged neighborhood, by a single mother, and he went on to do nice issues within the sport of boxing”. He additionally went on to say that “He has given again a lot to his group, incomes all of our respect”.
Murray retired with a world title in his trophy case, a terrific report, a ledger of contenders and champions, and the respect of everybody he confronted.
Charles “The Pure” Murray – congratulations on a terrific profession and so many nice nights underneath the lights.
