Bookies believe it is a case of when, rather than if, the Mancunian claims victory

John Murray is long odds-on to retain his European lightweight title when he takes on Andriy Kudryavtsev in Wigan but the unbeaten Manchester fighter insists he is ready for a tough test.

Murray took his record to 29-0 when stopping Gary Buckland in the 11th round to claim this belt and the 25-year-old is rated as one of Britain's hottest prospects for world title glory in the future.

However, experienced Ukrainian Kudryavtsev has only lost one of his last 11 bouts and that was a close points defeat at this level last July.

“Both myself and (trainer) Joe (Gallagher) have watched tapes and studied Andriy’s style," said Murray. "He looks tough and likes using the body shots - but then again most of the fighters from that part of the world are very good.

"He will be coming over here looking for a major win to launch himself on the World stage. He is not here just to make up the numbers.

“But training has all gone well, I’m feeling great and I’m ready to show that I’m the best lightweight in Europe.”

Murray is 1/16 at best with Ladbrokes to come out on top and punters will be more concerned with how, rather than if, he retains his title at Robin Park Centre.

The same firm go 9/4 the champion prevails on points and 4/9 he gets the job done inside the distance. For those seeking more value, it is 6/1 for a victory in rounds 1-3, 7/2 for 4-6, 10/3 for 7-9 and 5/1 for 10-12.

Kudryavtsev is 10/1 at Sky Bet to spring a surprise but believes: "My speed, unexpectedness and endurance are my trump cards in the fight.”

The 33-year-old added: “We’ve scrutinized all weak and strong points of the opponent and I will do my best to make a hard fight for him.”