Muriqi takes the hard road

Wednesday 11th February 2009, 3:00PM GMT.

THE dream to become world champion edges ever closer for hungry Kosovo boxer Elvir Muriqi.

His long-awaited battle with former IBF title-holder Clinton Woods is now certain after the fighter landed on Jersey soil last night.

Yet for a short time it seemed Muriqi – who lives and trains in America and who travels on a refugee document – might never have made it to the ring.

Passport and visa problems delayed his arrival by four days, and even pushed promoter Dennis Hobson to search for a possible new opponent. Fortunately issues were settled in the US on Monday and at the UK consulate late last night, allowing the boxer his chance of a lifetime.

• Picture: Elvir Muriqi, in Jersey today. Picture by David Ferugson (00623786)

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