Joseph Ignatius Murray was born on May 6, 1967. He joined the professional ranks in October 1987 at the age on 20. Murray won the Guyana featherweight title in 1990 and the lightweight crown a year later. In a 13-year career the orthodox boxer fought many courageous battles.
However, it is his sterling performance against Jacobin Yoma of French Guiana that remains the high point his career.
The two met on April 18, 1993 at the National Sports Hall. At stake was the World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX super featherweight (junior lightweight) crown.
In a masterful display of ring craft, speed and tact, Murray snatched the title via a point decision. Yoma would move on to win the European Boxing Union (EBU) super featherweight title. Murray would lose five of his last six fights, one of the defeats being a third round TKO at the hands of an undefeated `Sugar’ Shane Mosely.
`Joey’ as Murray was affectionately called by fans, would have his final bout on December 26, 2000. His record comprises 19 wine (10 Kos) and six defeats. Murray is now giving back to the sport and is a coach attached to the Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym in Albouystown.