This Friday night sees John Murray take on Lee Meager for the vacant British lightweight belt and it is set to be a very tense affair. Not only are both fighters desperate to get hold of the title – but they are fighting for the bragging rights in Manchester as well.

Both boxers are from Manchester, but they have differing loyalties when it comes to there football teams. Murray is a die-hard Manchester City fan and Meager is a former season-ticket holder at Manchester United. I wouldn’t say this would change the outcome of the fight a great deal, but the atmosphere inside the Robin Park Centre will be extra electric. Don’t be surprised to hear a few football songs bellowing out before and during the fight or to see both fighters in the relevant football team colours.

The relationship between the two fighters does go back some way. Murray and Meager used to be sparring partners and had some ‘right wars’ according to Murray, who hopes that the blue side of Manchester is the winner come Friday night. He also states that if the fight is anything like the Manchester derbies, it will be a very ‘feisty affair’.

Meager has also had his say on proceedings. The Salford boxer believes that the football connection adds an ‘extra edge to it’, and he appears confident that the red side of Manchester will be cheering after the fight on Friday night.

My opinion though, is that all this football talk is just normal to the pre-fight banter between two fighters. Yes, it adds an extra element of spice to the fight, but did it really need any? This is a big enough fight as it is. Both fighters are desperate to win the British title to further their careers and I’m sure that is more important than representing their football team.

As for the outcome of the fight and with reference to boxing betting, I’d say that Murray was the favourite to win. Meager has already held this British title and at 30 years of age, I’m not convinced he is as hungry to succeed as his 23-year-old opponent. Murray is confident, unbeaten and a very capable fighter. He is also in fantastic shape ahead of this bout. Probably the best he has ever been in.

Murray has eyed Amir Khan as his next opponent, but he will have to defeat the experienced Meager first – something I expect him to do within 6 rounds, to send the Manchester City fans home happy.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist