Boxing: Schwer learns lesson

(First Edition)

BILLY SCHWER will take nothing for granted when he makes a voluntary defence of the British and Commonwealth lightweight titles against Sean Murphy at Stevenage Ice Bowl on 16 February.

The 24-year-old learned his lesson when surrendering his unbeaten record to Paul Burke a year ago. Schwer had his world title ambitions checked by a seventh-round defeat.

He regained the titles from Burke on points last November and now promises to treat Murphy with the utmost respect - even though the St Albans fighter is moving up two divisions and will be the underdog.

Murphy, 29, beaten by Steve Robinson, the World Boxing Organisation featherweight champion, in his last fight, aims to surprise Schwer by curbing his all-action style.