Martin Murray Signs With Matchroom And Targeting DeGale

By Olly Campbell - 06/06/2015 - Comments

We last saw him in a ring back in February, when he extended Gennady Golovkin further than any man so far, finally succumbing in the 11th round after a brave and spirited performance – and now Britain’s Martin Murray is setting his sights on the top of the sport once more, joining the UK’s largest and most successful stable, Matchroom Sport.

It is yet another marquee signing for Eddie Hearn’s outfit, with the St.Helen’s fighter announcing he intends to move up to 168 to challenge the likes of James DeGale – another Matchroom fighter – though will stay at 160 if the right fights can be made.

His first outing under his new promotional banner will be on June 26th at the Echo Arena, Liverpool against a TBA opponent.

Via his twitter, Murray wrote;

“Big thanks to everyone for the nice tweets. Really looking forward to this next chapter in my career & being involved in some big fights.”

He followed up with;

“For people asking I will be campaigning at SM but can & will make middle if the right fights are there.”

It’s exciting news for the world scene at 168lb, with Murray, in my eyes at least, being arguably the most deserving fighter of a world title currently not to own one. His challenge to Sergio Martinez in the Argentine’s back yard in 2013 ended in (UD) defeat despite flooring the champion twice along the way – although the second knockdown was ruled a slip.

He then endured more heartache in Germany, the home of controversial decisions, battling to a draw with then champion Felix Sturm in a real battle that further showed his class and mettle – and following the Golovkin performance, one can only think it’s merely a matter of time before that elusive world title is strapped around his waist?

Via Sky Sports, Murray said of his intentions to continue pursuing that dream, preferably on British soil.

He said;

“I’ve been in major fights all over the world. Martinez in Argentina, Sturm in Germany and Golovkin in France (Monaco) but now I feel it’s time I had those major fights in the UK”

Signalling his intentions for the future, Murray continued;

“I’ve fought the very best at middleweight and I intend to fight the very best at 168lb. It’s a hot division and domestically it can throw up some wars. James DeGale did great to capture the world title and I’d love that fight later this year. George Groves is soon to challenge for a title – another fight I’d relish.”

Alongside him at the announcement, promoter Hearn said;

“Martin has proved time and again he is one of the best middleweights in the world and I am now looking forward to building him further in the UK – being involved in some huge domestic and international fights.”

For me DeGale is probably the easiest to put together in terms of a world title, although given Hearn’s close relationship with German promotional heavyweights Sauerland – the winner of the upcoming Abraham v Stieglitz 4 fight for the WBO 168lb strap would also be a very interesting prospect.

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