By Chris LaBate

Lightweight John Murray (31-1, 18KOs) is planning for immediate revenge. He challenges WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios (28-0, 21KOs) on December 3rd at New York's Madison Square Garden, with the Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito rematch headlining the card. Murray is returning from the first loss of his career, which Kevin Mitchell caused by an eight round stoppage in July. Murray is a big underdog in the fight with Rios, but plans to put together a direct strategy to confuse and beat the champion. If Murray upsets the odds, he wants to make his first defense of the title against Mitchell.

"I was devastated to lose to Mitchell, but there is no quit in me. I’ve watched the fight again and I’ve got to learn from it. I know I can’t take shots like I did in that fight. I’ve gone back to the gym to try to improve and Brandon Rios will be in for a surprise if he thinks this will be another slugfest like that one," Murray told the Manchester Evening News.

"It will be another fight that the fans will love, but I’ve got to be cuter. I’ve got to be similar to how Kevin boxed against me. I’ve got to use my brain and outman him. I want to beat Brandon Rios and then have a rematch with Kevin. I gave him his chance and, hopefully, he will give me my chance for revenge."