Boxing: MURRAY EYES UP TEEN STAR; 'Prizefighter' has Georgian in his sights.

Byline: by NICK PEET Boxing Editor

MARTIN MURRAY takes on teenage Georgian prospect Mikheil Khucishvili tonight at Wigan's Robin Park Centre.

The St Helens puncher returns to the ring for the first time since winning the Prizefighter middleweights title in November.

Now undefeated in 12, Murray takes another step up in class against the 11-4-2 Eastern European, who has boxed outside his home nation just once before.

"It's a good fight for me on a brilliant card," buzzed 26-year-old Murray, "I'm in great shape and really looking forward to the show."

Jamie Moore tops the bill challenging Michele Piccirillo for the European light-middleweight title the Italian successfully defended against Liverpool's Michael Jones back in 2007.

Yet Murray is tipping Moore to go one better and become the new European title holder. "Jamie has got so much talent and potential, we all know that he is going to be too strong for the champion," said the 26-year-old.

"As for my own fight I just have to concentrate on the next man in front of me and keep taking care of business.

"Hopefully I will get a little more exposure from the live Sky Sports cameras on the back of my Prizefighter success and I can keep building on that.

"But I won't be looking for any title fights just yet. Right now I am 100% concentrating on this show and this opponent. But it's true that the future looks very positive for me."

Meanwhile, Moore hopes winning the European 11 stone title will be his passport to America and a world title shot.

The 30-year-old Salford southpaw challenges Italian veteran Piccirillo in Wigan for the vacant title after being forced to wait three years for his opportunity due to politics and injury.

Moore (30-3, 21KOs) is currently ranked ninth with the WBC and knows victory over former IBF welterweight king Piccirillo - who lost to current world champion Vernon Forrest in 2007 - will enhance his world title credentials.

"The European title would open massive doors for me," Moore offered.

"I personally believe I should have gone to America a couple of years ago when I was stuck in this rut where I wasn't getting a chance with the European and I was stuck at British title level.

"Looking back now, maybe we should have taken a chance and gone. But you live and learn. I'd certainly love to go over there and top the bill. That's where dreams are made, in Las Vegas. I'm sure it will happen; I've no doubt.

"We've got to make sure we do a number on Piccirillo and leave nothing to chance. It will make the last three years of frustration all worthwhile."

On the undercard, Irish Olympic bronze medalist Darren Sutherland makes his second prol outing against Georgi Iliev.

CAPTION(S):

BIG WIN: Martin Murray (left) beats Cello Renda in the Prizefighter final