JOHN Murray proved he is Britain's best lightweight and then roared: "Bring on Amir Khan."

Murray, who lives and trains in Denton, regained his British title in stunning fashion, blasting Jon Thaxton away in four rounds.

It sent out the resounding message that the 24-year-old is ready to take on the best in the world - while trainer Joe Gallagher insists his man is the natural successor to Ricky Hatton as the new darling of British boxing.

And Murray sees no better way of proving that than taking on WBA light-welterweight champion and Bolton hero Khan.

He said: "It's been talked about for a long time. Freddie Roach has seen me and thinks I deserve a world title shot.

"If the fight could come off it's no secret that I'd take it at the drop of a hat. It is a massive fight that would sell out the MEN Arena.

"It is a fight everyone would want to see between two British fighters and I hope we can make it. I'd go up a weight or we could fight at catch-weight.

"Amir Khan wouldn't fight Jon Thaxton, but I proved that I will."

Murray, originally from Levenshulme, was simply devastating in Altrincham, powering through former European champion Thaxton from the first bell.

In front of a raucous crowd, including Manchester City stars, Roque Santa Cruz and Vincent Company, he put on a performance which was about much more than reclaiming the belt which was stripped from from him in June for failing make the weigh-in for his clash with Scott Lawton.

Thaxton struggle

Thaxton simply had no answer to his power and precision - and despite a European title fight with Anthony Mezaache next in line, Murray's sights are on WBO champion Michael Katsidis.

"Jon Thaxton was the only person in Britain who could challenge me domestically and I think I've shown I am a class beyond this," he said.

"It is time for me to move on to bigger and better things. I'm mandatory for the European title and that's next in line but I think I'm past this.

"I want a world title shot in the next 12 months and Katsidis is on my radar. That's a fight I fancy. I think it would be a great fight for the public.

"Two bullish, come forward fighters. I think it could be the fight of the year. Let's get it on."

Trainer Gallagher added: "Amir Khan's dodged him, he's moved up to light-welterweight. You can run but you can't hide. There's unfinished business there.

"But he's doing his thing and we'll do our thing. We will go on and win a world title and that will be a massive showdown down the line.

"It isn't just Britain and Europe that John Murray has sent a message to, it's the world.

"Jon Thaxton was ranked top 10 in the world. He was European champion, and for John Murray to go in there and beat him at will, was impressive.

"He gave Ricky Hatton a hard 12 rounds but there was no way he was going to derail John Murray."

Gallagher added: "Manchester is looking for a new hero in boxing and John Murray is ready to carry on the flame that Ricky Hatton once had."

Can Murray be as good as Hatton? Have your say.