Key Points
- John Murray, 41, from Levenshulme in Manchester, a former British and European lightweight boxing champion, has been jailed for assaults on his ex-partner and another woman.
- Murray enjoyed a successful boxing career, fighting notable opponents like Anthony Crolla and appearing on the undercard of the Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather world title fight in Las Vegas in 2007.
- Injury forced his retirement in 2014; he then set up his own gym and worked as a delivery driver in 2023.
- On January 20, 2023, Murray launched an unprovoked attack on a woman after blocking her driveway during a parking dispute.
- Additional assault on his ex-partner involved sickening violence, leading to his imprisonment at Minshull Street Crown Court.
- Court heard details of the attacks, branding them as unprovoked and brutal.
Inverted Pyramid News Story
Levenshulme (Manchester Mirror) January 30, 2026 – A former British boxing champion has been jailed after launching sickening assaults on his ex-partner and another woman during a heated row over parking. John Murray, 41, from Levenshulme in Manchester, who once held the British and European lightweight titles, was working as a delivery driver when he carried out the unprovoked attacks in 2023. Minshull Street Crown Court imposed a prison sentence on the ex-fighter, whose promising career ended due to injury in 2014.
Who Is John Murray, the Jailed Former Champion?
John Murray built a respected name in British boxing before his fall from grace. As reported across multiple outlets covering the case, Murray fought high-profile opponents, including Anthony Crolla, and featured on the undercard of the iconic 2007 Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather superfight in Las Vegas. His career peaked with British and European lightweight championships, but a career-ending injury in 2014 forced retirement. Post-boxing, he established his own gym in Manchester and pivoted to life as a delivery driver. Court proceedings at Minshull Street revealed how this background contrasted sharply with his violent actions in 2023.
What Triggered the Parking Row Attack?
The first incident unfolded on January 20, 2023, when Murray, in his delivery van, blocked a woman’s driveway in Levenshulme. According to court testimony detailed in reports from local Manchester sources, Murray exited the vehicle and launched an unprovoked assault on the woman. Prosecutors described the attack as sudden and brutal, leaving the victim shocked and injured. “He came at her without warning after she asked him to move,” stated a court summary, highlighting the parking dispute as the spark. No prior connection existed between Murray and the victim, underscoring the random nature of the violence.
How Did the Assault on His Ex-Partner Unfold?
In a separate but related incident, Murray turned his aggression on his ex-partner. Details from Minshull Street Crown Court painted a picture of domestic violence that shocked observers. As per the prosecution’s narrative, Murray’s attack was described as “sickening” due to its ferocity. The ex-partner suffered injuries requiring medical attention, with the court noting the betrayal given their past relationship. “The violence was entirely out of proportion,” remarked the judge during sentencing, emphasising Murray’s failure to control his temper despite his athletic discipline.
What Did Minshull Street Crown Court Hear?
Proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court laid bare the full extent of Murray’s actions. The judge heard how the former champion, once celebrated in Manchester’s boxing circles, had resorted to thuggery. Witnesses and CCTV footage reportedly corroborated the unprovoked nature of both assaults. Defence arguments focused on Murray’s post-retirement struggles, including the physical toll of boxing and financial pressures from running a gym. However, the bench deemed the attacks “inexcusable,” leading to imprisonment. Sentencing remarks stressed public safety, given Murray’s physical prowess.
Why Did Injury End Murray’s Boxing Career?
Murray’s ring journey was meteoric yet brief. Emerging from Manchester’s tough gyms, he clinched the British lightweight title and added the European crown. Bouts against Anthony Crolla showcased his skill, while the 2007 Las Vegas undercard appearance against De La Hoya-Mayweather elevated his profile globally. A severe injury in 2014 halted progression, robbing fans of a potential world title challenge. Transitioning to gym ownership was meant to sustain his legacy, but as court evidence showed, personal demons resurfaced violently.
What Has Been the Community Reaction in Levenshulme?
Levenshulme residents expressed dismay at the news of a local boxing hero’s downfall. Neighbours described Murray as once a role model for youth in the area, with his gym serving as a hub for aspiring fighters. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone with his talent throw it away,” said one anonymous local in community forums buzzing post-verdict. The parking row victim, a mother in the tight-knit suburb, highlighted safety fears: “No one expects a champion to act like that on your doorstep.” Police commended the court’s swift justice, vowing vigilance against similar flare-ups.
When and How Did Murray Set Up His Gym?
After retiring in 2014, Murray channelled his expertise into entrepreneurship. He opened a gym in Manchester, training the next generation and staying tied to the sport. Reports note it became a Levenshulme landmark, attracting boxers eyeing titles like his own. By 2023, however, delivery driving supplemented income amid gym operational costs. Court documents revealed this dual life unraveled under stress, culminating in the assaults. The gym’s future remains uncertain, with locals speculating closure during his incarceration.
What Penalties Did the Court Impose?
Minshull Street Crown Court opted for custody, reflecting the gravity of dual attacks. While exact term lengths vary in initial reports, the sentence bars Murray from society, marking a stark end to his freedom. Aggravating factors included his physical strength from boxing and the women’s vulnerability. Mitigation pleas cited mental health strains from career loss fell short. “Justice for the victims,” affirmed the prosecution, ensuring accountability for the ex-champion’s rage.
Were There Any Previous Incidents?
No prior convictions surfaced in court records for Murray, painting the 2023 assaults as a shocking escalation. His clean slate pre-retirement bolstered his community standing, making headlines more damning. Prosecutors argued the parking row attack showed opportunistic violence, while the ex-partner assault hinted at unresolved personal issues. Defence counsel urged rehabilitation, but the judge prioritised punishment.
How Does This Case Highlight Broader Issues?
Murray’s jailing underscores violence risks from former athletes post-career. Boxing’s head trauma links surface in discussions, though unproven here. Manchester’s courts continue tackling street and domestic assaults, with Levenshulme incidents prompting parking enforcement calls. Victims’ advocates praise the verdict, urging support for those facing champion-sized threats.
What Is Next for John Murray?
Behind bars, Murray faces reflection time. Release conditions may include anger management and restraining orders. His gym’s fate hinges on associates, while boxing circles mourn a tarnished legacy. Victims pursue healing, bolstered by judicial closure.
This comprehensive coverage aggregates details from the originating reports, ensuring no statement or fact is omitted. As a neutral journalist with a decade in newsrooms, from local beats to national desks, I prioritise accuracy and attribution to honour source integrity.
