On the face of it John Murray's closer-than-expected points decision over Karim El Ouazghari does not make particularly impressive reading.
The Mancunian lightweight with the swirling, charging style was supposed to make a rampaging statement in London's East End at the iconic York Hall - not too far from domestic rival Kevin Mitchell's Essex manor.
Talk before the fight from many fights fans, and even Murray himself, indicated he might need to bother with Mitchell, who has languished in the dark since being swiped in three rounds by the Australian Michael Katsidis.
Such talk was banished after the 12 rounds though as the judges returned scores of 116-110, 117-112 and 115-112. Murray got the job done against a fighter with 14 records compared with his 30 but it wasn't explosive nor was it a classic showcase of boxing skills. Instead, Murray's defence didn't look great (he was left bruised around both eyes) and although he had Ouazghari reeling at the end, he didn't seem to have enough firepower to justify the hype.
With Mitchell sat ringside, suddenly many boxing fans were claiming the tables had been turned and instead of Murray not needing to worry about the Dagenham fighter, apparently Murray's struggle demonstrated Mitchell would be the likely victor if the two met.
Such thoughts illustrate the fickle (but fun) nature of the sport.
In defence of Murray - he had not fought for about eight months and looked rusty, he was taking on an unknown quantity (his trainer had not managed to get any videos beforehand) who was better than expected and perhaps, despite his professionalism and strong training team behind him, Murray might have struggled to get up for this one.
Boxing is about levels and there are some that question whether Murray has the qualities to crack on from the European scene - no mean feat to get to that level in the first place. We've seen with the likes of Brian Magee and Matthew Hatton, the gulf in class between the two levels.
However, while Murray may have made things a little difficult for himself with his performance, there are plenty others that believe this determined, focused champion who has the will power and underrated boxing skills to step up to the plate. He also has a developing fanbase, a fan-friendly style and is of course from a boxing-mad city. Much worse fighters have been given shots at a world title - and some have even grasped the opportunity and won.
I also question whether Kevin Mitchell really is the threat he's being made out to be. As an up-and-coming fighter Mitchell showed real promise and there's still every chance he can eventually fulfill his potential. However, I think his future lies at super-featherweight.
Michael Katsidis, such is his fanastic conditioning, may have been a one-off but his huge physique against Mitchell's brittle-looking frame made the fight a man versus boy contest.
Murray is a strong lightweight and would look to impose his size on Mitchell and push him back against the ropes. While Murray can be a little predictable and Mitchell has a good jab and reasonable footwork, would he be able to keep him off for 12 rounds?
Still, as we know, money talks and despite potentially earning a good purse, it will probably be in both paties' interests for a Murray - Mitchell showdown.
For Murray, it might cement a few more fans and if he's up for the fight - and he'll certainly know a lot about his opponent this time - then it could be a chance to ward off his doubters.
For Mitchell, it would boost his confidence, push the memories of Katsidis further back and give him a good title. However, the Dagenham boxer, in my view, should be focused on getting himself down to super-featherweight in the long term. He's too small for the elite at lightweight.
The Mancunian lightweight with the swirling, charging style was supposed to make a rampaging statement in London's East End at the iconic York Hall - not too far from domestic rival Kevin Mitchell's Essex manor.
Talk before the fight from many fights fans, and even Murray himself, indicated he might need to bother with Mitchell, who has languished in the dark since being swiped in three rounds by the Australian Michael Katsidis.
Such talk was banished after the 12 rounds though as the judges returned scores of 116-110, 117-112 and 115-112. Murray got the job done against a fighter with 14 records compared with his 30 but it wasn't explosive nor was it a classic showcase of boxing skills. Instead, Murray's defence didn't look great (he was left bruised around both eyes) and although he had Ouazghari reeling at the end, he didn't seem to have enough firepower to justify the hype.
With Mitchell sat ringside, suddenly many boxing fans were claiming the tables had been turned and instead of Murray not needing to worry about the Dagenham fighter, apparently Murray's struggle demonstrated Mitchell would be the likely victor if the two met.
Such thoughts illustrate the fickle (but fun) nature of the sport.
In defence of Murray - he had not fought for about eight months and looked rusty, he was taking on an unknown quantity (his trainer had not managed to get any videos beforehand) who was better than expected and perhaps, despite his professionalism and strong training team behind him, Murray might have struggled to get up for this one.
Boxing is about levels and there are some that question whether Murray has the qualities to crack on from the European scene - no mean feat to get to that level in the first place. We've seen with the likes of Brian Magee and Matthew Hatton, the gulf in class between the two levels.
However, while Murray may have made things a little difficult for himself with his performance, there are plenty others that believe this determined, focused champion who has the will power and underrated boxing skills to step up to the plate. He also has a developing fanbase, a fan-friendly style and is of course from a boxing-mad city. Much worse fighters have been given shots at a world title - and some have even grasped the opportunity and won.
I also question whether Kevin Mitchell really is the threat he's being made out to be. As an up-and-coming fighter Mitchell showed real promise and there's still every chance he can eventually fulfill his potential. However, I think his future lies at super-featherweight.
Michael Katsidis, such is his fanastic conditioning, may have been a one-off but his huge physique against Mitchell's brittle-looking frame made the fight a man versus boy contest.
Murray is a strong lightweight and would look to impose his size on Mitchell and push him back against the ropes. While Murray can be a little predictable and Mitchell has a good jab and reasonable footwork, would he be able to keep him off for 12 rounds?
Still, as we know, money talks and despite potentially earning a good purse, it will probably be in both paties' interests for a Murray - Mitchell showdown.
For Murray, it might cement a few more fans and if he's up for the fight - and he'll certainly know a lot about his opponent this time - then it could be a chance to ward off his doubters.
For Mitchell, it would boost his confidence, push the memories of Katsidis further back and give him a good title. However, the Dagenham boxer, in my view, should be focused on getting himself down to super-featherweight in the long term. He's too small for the elite at lightweight.
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