Manchester Evening News
SPARE a thought for me on Christmas Day. While you are tucking into your turkey I'll be down the gym.
Last year it was John Murray having his festivities interrupted by fight preparation and this year it's his brother, Joe, who is back in action in February.
It certainly proved worth the sacrifice for John, who's had an outstanding year, ending with that stunning British title victory against Jon Thaxton, which has now earned him a European title shot against Anthony Mezaache in 2010.
And I hope it will have the same effect on kid brother, Joe, who is one of my tips for the coming 12 months. I'm sure he will end it with a title.
That's for next year - but what about 2009?
We've seen David Haye, Carl Froch and Amir Khan all become world champions, while Manchester's favourite, Ricky Hatton, lost his title in incredible fashion against Manny Pacquiao and Junior Witter also saw his reign as world champion end.
FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Undoubtedly Manny Pacquiao. He was awesome against Hatton and outstanding against Miguel Cotto.
HIGHLIGHTS
Matthew Macklin destroying Amin Asikainen to win the European middleweight title.
Amir Khan's victory over Andriy Kotelnik was very impressive as well as he became WBA light- welterweight champion, while John Murray was stunning in reclaiming his British title against Thaxton.
DISAPPOINTMENTS
Jamie Moore's defeat to Ryan Rhodes was a real blow. He could almost taste that world title shot and ended up losing on penalties. I am convinced he will come back stronger as a middleweight.
Matthew Hatton's draw with Lovemore N'Dou in their IBO welterweight title clash was a real let-down.
PREDICTIONS
I expect it to be a great year for our Olympians, Joe Murray, Frankie Gavin and Tony Jeffries, while I really like the look of Manchester's Karl Place.
Elsewhere I fancy John Murray, Macklin, Michael Jennings and Moore to make their names on the world stage.
But the big one is the return of Ricky Hatton. I fancy the Hitman to win another world title.
What do you think? Have your say.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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