Martin Murray believes his gym-mate Rocky Fielding has the perfect game-plan to beat Callum Smith when the two unbeaten Super Middleweights clash for the vacant British title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on November 7, live on Sky Sports.

Murray and Fielding train with Oliver Harrison in Salford and the St Helens man, who is preparing for his WBO World title challenge against Arthur Abraham on November 28 in Germany, says he’s seen Fielding improve day-by-day in the gym and that he’ll come out on top of a hard fight in Liverpool.

“It’s going to be down to who as the best game-plan and who can stick to it – and they have the perfect combination of Oliver’s game-plan and Rocky being the right man to execute it,” said Murray.

“I’ve seen him and Oliver working intensely over the last few weeks and it looks like it is paying off. We have done a bit of tech sparring together to work on some stuff and you can see that the game-plan is working for him.

“It’s a tough fight and full credit to them for taking it, they could’ve easily avoided each other and gone down different paths but they are putting their uneaten records on the line and that’s brilliant. I think it’ll be a tough 12-round hard fight, I don’t think it will be one-way traffic at all, they will both have spells of success in there.

“Callum is a top fighter, there’s no disputing that. He might be a slight favourite, it looks 50-50 to many people but a lot of folks just favour Callum. I don’t know whether that’s because he’s maybe got a bigger profile or they’ve seen more of him on Sky Sports, but I train with Rocky every day and I know what he is capable of, and if you ask Scott Quigg or Anthony Crolla who they think will win and they will say Callum because they see what he can do every day.

“I know though that when it comes to tough fights, Rocky raises his game, and I think that he will raise his game on November 7. There’s a lot of pressure on them both coming from Liverpool and taking each other on, Liverpool has the best fights fans in England in my opinion and had one of them avoided the other then they would have copped a lot of stick, so they’ve chosen to collide head on and it’s a great fight for everyone involved. There’s going to be a loser but they are both young enough to come again – and if it’s a good fight, they can do it again.

“I know the Smith family well and they are all top lads. I’ll be ringside on the night and I will be nervous for Rocky, but I am confident he can do the job.”

Fielding’s clash with Smith tops a massive night of boxing on Merseyside with the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt taking centre stage as Scotty Cardle defends his Lightweight title against local favourite Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd.

Ricky Burns can take a huge step towards reclaiming his WBO World Lightweight title when he faces Josh King for the Inter-Continental Lightweight title, Prizefighter champion Tom Doran meets Rod Smith in an eliminator for the British Middleweight title and unbeaten Lightweight talent Ohara Davies faces Chris Truman.

Limited tickets are sale now from the Echo Arena website www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400 – priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150.

Tickets for November 7 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

King’ Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) will defend his WBO World Super Middleweight Championship against Britain’s Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) on November 21 at the TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany.

Abraham, the 35 year-old from Berlin, will be aiming for a fifth successive defence of his WBO strap following a devastating sixth-round technical knockout victory over domestic rival Robert Stieglitz, and the two-time World Champion is expecting a tough test against his battle hardened opponent Murray.

‘’Martin is a very strong opponent,’’ said Abraham. ‘’He has challenged for World titles three times before and on two of those occasion he should of won. He is a very deserving challenger and I think it will be a good fight. That is what the public want to see – the best fighting the best – and that is what they will see on November 21 in Hannover.’’

Abraham is no stranger to fighting British opposition. Most recently he squared off against former British Champion Paul Smith in two competitive championship contests. As he prepares to face another Brit, the German fighter has drawn comparisons between Murray and his former opponent.

‘’Martin is a very different type of fighter than Paul,’’ said Abraham. ‘’He is more experienced and has fought at a much higher level. When I fought Paul I was the best opponent he had faced but Martin has fought at this level before so I expect this fight to be a tougher challenge.’’

Murray, from St Helens, England, will be hoping to claim World honours at the fourth time of asking. Having made the move up to super middleweight, following a brave attempt at the formidable Kazakh Gennady Golovkin’s middleweight titles, the 33 year-old has recorded three wins inside the distance, and believes now the time has come for him to claim boxing’s ultimate prize.

“I am thrilled to have the chance to face Arthur for the WBO World Super Middleweight title,’’ said Murray. ‘’I was shocked when Arthur agreed to the fight, it’s one he didn’t have to take so must be confident but in at my natural weight now and believe on November 21 I will become World champion.

“It’s the fight that I targeted when I chose to move up to Super Middleweight and it’s one that I am confident of winning. I know that Arthur is a great champion and a tough man to beat on his home patch, but my trainer Oliver Harrison and I both believe that we have the formula to take his title.

“I have never been afraid to travel to fight for World titles and this occasion will be no different; I expect lots of Brits to travel to Germany and it will be a fantastic atmosphere and a great fight for the fans in the Arena and watching on Sky Sports and Sat.1.”

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’This is a great match up between two real warriors. Arthur has silenced his critics and proven time and time again why he is the man to beat at 168 lbs. His last performance against Stieglitz is testament to how much more he still has to give in the sport and we expect him to deliver another explosive performance on November 21, live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.

‘’Martin Murray is a fighter who I have a lot of respect for. He has gone on the road, fighting the very best and is unlucky not to have already been crowned World Champion. This may well be his last chance and I expect him to give it his all and more than play his part in this fascinating encounter.’’

“I’m delighted to deliver this shot for Martin on a huge night of World Championship boxing on Sky Sports,’’ said Murray’s promoter Eddie Hearn. ‘’It’s a fight Martin and his team have been asking me for since he signed with us and the opportunity that I believe will see him realise his dream of becoming World Champion.’’

The WBO World Super Middleweight Championship fight between Arthur Abraham and Martin Murray will be broadcast live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. Tickets are available online via tickethall.de and eventim.de.

LONDON (20 FEB) World middleweight title challenger Martin Murray has heard all about the reputation of Gennady Golovkin, his next opponent, and respects the fact he’s widely considered the hardest puncher in all of boxing right now. But that doesn’t mean the Briton is overawed or fearful of the imposing Kazakh.

In fact, rather than hide from the reality of the situation, Murray has instead confronted it head on and says he’s looking forward to sampling Golovkin’s power when the pair clash on Saturday (February 21) in Monte Carlo.

“I’ve been watching all his best bits,” said Murray, 29-1-1 (12 KOs). “I’ve not been looking at all the things he does wrong. Let’s be honest, he doesn’t do a lot wrong. What I’ve been focusing on are all the things he does well. I’ve been watching him at his absolute best. That then makes me more prepared, more nervous and more on my guard.

“His power is obviously something you have to look out for. He clearly hits hard. His general ring craft is very good as well. He’s very good at putting you in places he wants to put you.

“I think he does all things very well. He’s not just a big puncher – he seems to have the lot. But we’ve seen a couple of chinks in his armour and we feel there’s some stuff for us to work on during the fight. We’re confident it’s going to work. I’m looking forward to going in there on Saturday and trying them out.

“It doesn’t bother me that Golovkin hits hard. Don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer it if he hit a bit softer, but it doesn’t faze me knowing that I’m going to go in there with someone who knocks everybody out. I know he hits hard, I know it’s going to be a tough fight and I know I might get hurt. I’m ready and prepared for it, though.”

Murray is renowned for his ability to raise his game when necessary. A perennial underdog, the St. Helens man was desperately unlucky in his previous two world title fights, drawing with Felix Sturm in 2011 and then losing a controversial decision to Sergio Martinez in 2013. This time, however, he’s determined to make it third time lucky.

“This feels like the biggest fight of my career,” said the 32-year-old. “I’ve kind of been detached lately due to being based in South Africa, but now I’m in Monte Carlo and I can sense how big the fight is. This is it for me. There’s more riding on this fight than any other I’ve had, and I’m more determined and confident of winning this one than I was before the others.

“In fact, of all my world title fights, this is the one I’m most looking forward to. It feels like my biggest challenge, and it will be my toughest fight, but I’ve got confidence in my ability and know that in these situations I rise to the occasion and put on my best performances.

“I’m expecting a long, hard fight and I’m expecting to have to go through a lot of pain. But, no matter what it takes, and no matter what I have to go through, my hand is going to get raised at the end of that fight. I know this is a proper battle and I know it will have to be a war. I’m ready for it. I honestly can’t wait.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10PM) ***

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LONDON (19 FEB) Former world champions Steve Collins and Richie Woodhall will cast their expert eye over Saturday’s (February 21) WBA Super world middleweight title fight between Gennady Golovkin and Martin Murray as part of Channel 5’s star-studded fight night team.

Collins and Woodhall will join Mark Pougatch in the studio, while Dave Farrar and respected American fight personality Al Bernstein provide commentary in Monte Carlo.

No stranger to big fight nights, Irishman Collins is a former WBO middleweight and super-middleweight champion who twice defeated both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn. He retired in 1997 with a professional record of 36-3 and was renowned for his toughness, aggression and hard-nosed approach to his craft.

Woodhall, meanwhile, was a former WBC world super-middleweight champion who boxed a number of quality, world-class fighters over the course of a ten-year professional career. He retired in 2000 with a 26-3 record and has since gained a reputation as one of Britain’s finest fight pundits and commentators.

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10 PM) ***

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LONDON (19 FEB) Super-middleweight Rocky Fielding has watched stablemate Martin Murray prepare for a number of big fights over the years, but never has he seen the St. Helens man look as well-prepared as he is just days before his WBA Super world middleweight title fight with Gennady Golovkin on Saturday night (February 21), LIVE on Channel 5.

The 27-year-old Fielding trained alongside Murray in South Africa for the duration of camp and has seen the progression up close. He knows the challenger is more than ready.

“Boxers often say they’ve had the best camp of their life and they couldn’t be any fitter, but I’ve been around Martin a long time now and I’ve never seen him look better,” said Fielding. “He’s been at the top for a while now and knows how to prepare for big world title fights. He knows what he’s done right and wrong in the past and I think he’s nailed it this time.

“He was very serious and professional in this camp. When it was time to switch on, we all met up, did our stuff and got on with it. There wasn’t much talking or joking around. We’d relax a little bit at dinner time, but that was about it. It was all very serious. Even the chefs in the hotel would be given set meals by Martin’s nutritionist and then go away and sort them. There was no stone left unturned.

“Fitness-wise, he’s on another level for this fight. I’m a good runner and can handle myself against most people, but Martin was overtaking me on all of our runs. He wouldn’t have looked out of place on the South African running team.”

Although Fielding has witnessed drastic improvements in Murray on a daily basis, he is under no illusions as to the extent of the challenge his friend faces in Monte Carlo this weekend.

“I rate Golovkin very highly,” said Fielding. “He’s a very good boxer with good punch power.

“His opponents have always given him a bit too much respect, though. He’s got power and they think they should just stay away and survive.

“Martin has been in at the top and he can take a good punch. He’s been in there with (Sergio) Martinez and (Felix) Sturm, who can both punch a bit, and he always seems to be comfortable and able to adapt to whatever his opponent does. Martin has a good defence and he’s very clever in the ring.

“From what I’ve seen of Martin in the gym, and from what I’ve heard him and Oliver discuss, I really think an upset is on the cards this Saturday. They’re working on some good things that could really mess Golovkin up. They’re looking to get in his head.

“Golovkin can hit hard, we know that, but nobody has come back at him yet and roughed him up. They haven’t got physical with him and pushed him about. I think Martin can do that and still stay tight defensively.”

Should Murray perfect his game plan and do everything he has practiced in the gym, Fielding sees no reason why Britain won’t be celebrating a new world middleweight champion in the coming days.

“If Golovkin doesn’t get Martin out of there in four rounds, I think we’re on to a winner,” he said. “But we’re expecting a tough, gruelling fight.

“Golovkin has said he thinks it might go twelve rounds, but I think he’s bluffing. He’ll fight the same way he always does – he’ll come out all guns blazing.

“If Martin can get through those first three or four rounds and then come back with his own shots, I can see him taking over in rounds seven, eight, nine and ten. If Golovkin doesn’t bang Martin out, what’s the game plan? I don’t think he can keep up with Martin for twelve rounds.

“Martin can match him with everything but power. He can match him for boxing skills and he can match him for defence, ring generalship and experience. This is far from an easy fight for Golovkin.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10 PM) ***

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Monte-Carlo (February 18, 2015) Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and top rated challenger MARTIN MURRAY give their final thoughts at today’s final press conference.

Golovkin vs. Murray takes place this Saturday, February 21 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo and televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Photos credit: Will Hart/HBO

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN

“Martin Murray is a great fighter, he looks strong here today. He is the biggest test of my career.”

“Thanks to everyone for putting this event together, it’s great to be back in Monte Carlo, I love fighting here. Thanks to my team and my coach Abel Sanchez.”

“I promise a great fight on Saturday night and a big drama show.”

“Welcome to my fight!”

MARTIN MURRAY

“Gennady Golovkin is one of the best fighters in the world, but this Saturday I will beat him.”

“We had a great camp, six weeks in England followed by five in South Africa. I’ve done everything I need to beat him, this is the hardest fight of my life but I’m ready for it.”

TOM LOEFFLER, K2 Promotions

‘Thanks to everyone for their help in putting this fight together. In addition to HBO in the United States this fight will be shown live all over Europe and in over 100 countries.”

“This is actually the sixth press conference we’ve done for this fight including previously here in Monte Carlo, also in Kazakhstan, in London, Mexico City and Los Angeles. This is truly a worldwide event.”

“We expect Martin to rise to the occasion as he did against Sergio Martinez and Felix Sturm and expect a great fight on Saturday night.”

ABEL SANCHEZ

“We thank Martin Murray for taking the fight, we know how good he can be as he showed against Sergio Martinez and Felix Sturm.”

“Gennady had a great camp and understands that he needs to please and be responsible in the ring.”

ANDREW MIKHAIL, Manager of Murray

“Martin is the uncrowned champion and we know he is coming to win. The world is in for a great fight this Saturday night.”

“Martin is ready, willing and able to beat Gennady on Saturday night.”

PETER NELSON

“On behalf of HBO we’re very happy to be here.”

“Martin has shown his toughness throughout his career and the ability to fight all over the world against the best in the division. Gennady will fight anyone, anywhere.”

RODNEY BERMAN, Golden Gloves of South America

“Golden Gloves fighters have had some excellent luck over the years as underdogs. Corrie Sanders defeating Wladimir Klitschko, Hasim Rahman stopping Lennox Lewis and Sugar Boy Malinga beating Nigel Benn. On Saturday night we continue the trend.”

Perhaps the sport’s most feared fighter, middleweight titleholder Gennady Golovkin has built a powerhouse reputation by demonstrating a willingness to take on any challenge and displaying an intriguing array of skills, highlighted by stunning knockout power.

Now, the Kazakhstan native makes his highly anticipated 2015 debut when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. MARTIN MURRAY is seen SATURDAY, FEB. 21 at 5:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Salle des Etoiles in glittering Monte Carlo, exclusively on HBO, with a replay later that night on HBO at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT). The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

In the 13th defense of his middleweight crown, 32-year-old Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs), originally from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and now training at Big Bear, Cal., meets the formidable Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs) from St Helens, Merseyside, United Kingdom in a scheduled 12-round contest. Currently boasting a knockout victory streak of 18, Golovkin has taken the boxing world by storm with an extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio of better than 90%. No opponent has gone the distance with him since Nov. 2008, and the average length of his pro bouts is 4.6 rounds; his three 2014 fights ended in the seventh, third and second rounds. Trained by the highly regarded Abel Sanchez, Golovkin will be making his seventh appearance on HBO since his auspicious debut in Sept. 2012.

Murray, 32, is a seasoned pro willing to accept any challenge, at any location. He battled titleholder Felix Sturm to a hard-fought draw in Mannheim, Germany, and fought Sergio Martinez before a raucous partisan crowd in Argentina, resulting in what some saw as a questionable loss. In October, Murray won in impressive fashion against Domenico Spada in Monte Carlo.

The telecast from Monte Carlo continues HBO’s initiative of presenting high-caliber fights from Europe in the late-Saturday afternoon time slot. In the past two years, HBO Boxing visited London, Moscow and Hamburg for world-class title action.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jon Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Monte-Carlo (February 18, 2015) — The principality of Monte-Carlo will be showcased to the world on Saturday with the broadcast of “Thunderbolt”, the tournament headlined by Gennady Golovkin’s world middleweight championship bout against Martin Murray.

Multiple nternational broadcasters from around the globe have purchased the rights, ensuring maximum exposure for what is anticipated to be Golovkin’s toughest challenge to date.
The unbeaten Kazakh (31-0, 28 KOs), the WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight champion, is on an unbeaten 18-bout KO streak and will be looking to extend that against the UK’s Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs), who refuses to simply be an “opponent”.
The fight will be broadcast on HBO in the US and on Channel Five, the terrestrial TV service in the UK.
Deals have also been concluded in a number of other major countries and regions, including Africa (SuperSport), Australia (Main Event PPV), Brazil (Esporte Interativo), China (CCTV), France (L’Equipe), Germany (Sat.1), Israel (Sport 5), Japan (WOWOW), Mexico (Azteca), Nicaragua (Canal 4), Panama , Pan-South America (Space), Poland (NC+), Russia (Russia 2), Scandinavia (Viasat), Slovenia, Thailand (Channel 7), Turkey (Kanal D) and Uruguay (VTV).
Negotiations are continuing with an additional number of broadcasters.
“This is very gratifying,” said promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves. “This fight has captured the imagination, as has the undercard. I’m delighted that so many people will have the chance to watch such a major event.”
The undercard includes South African Hekkie Budler (27-1, 9 KOs) in defence of his WBA and IBO minimumweight titles against Jesus Silvestre (30-5, 22 KOs) of Mexico, plus the UK’s Lee Haskins (30-3, 13 KOs) contesting the vacant EBU bantamweight title against Omar Lamiri (13-1, 5 KOs) of France and a heavyweight bout between contenders Hughie Fury (14-0, 8 KOs) and Andriy Rudenko (24-1, 16 KOs) of Ukraine.

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

The international broadcast and transmission rights to this world class event are being exclusively distributed by leading boxing rights distributor and sports marketing firm Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd., an Octapixx company.

LONDON (18 FEB) Two-time world title challenger Martin Murray has been away from his family for the last five weeks in the hope that such sacrifices will help land him the WBA Super world middleweight title on Saturday night (February 21) in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5.

The proud St. Helens warrior faces fearsome champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin in a matter of days and knows he’s left no stone unturned in training camp.

“Being away from my family has absolutely killed me,” said Murray, father to Archie, Amelia and Aisla. “I’ve been away from them now for over five weeks and it’s been really hard.

“I can look back now and think, well, at least it’s nearly done, but, at the time, it was hell. I was lonely, I was down. But it needed to be done. I’ve got no regrets whatsoever. If I had to go back and do it all again, I would. It’s been tough but worthwhile.

“I’m heavily involved in my kids’ lives and I know I’ve been missing a lot of things. I’m a very hands-on dad, so every day I spend away from them eats me up inside. But I can make up for it on Monday when I see them and bring home the world title.”

Though days from fight night, Murray, 29-1-1 (12 KOs), feels no ill will towards Golovkin, nor does he expect to experience any animosity at today’s fight week press conference. But that doesn’t meant he won’t be doing everything in his power to dethrone the champion on Saturday.

“When we have our press conference, I’ll be professional and courteous,” he said. “But, come fight night, that’s not going to stop me wanting to rip his head off. He’ll be the same way. We’ll shake hands and be perfectly nice to each other, but that goes out of the window on Saturday. He wants to take something from me and I want to hurt him.

“Some of Golovkin’s opponents might give him too much respect, and they might be all smiles and handshakes at the press conference, but that’s just stupid. They obviously didn’t grow up where I grew up. I respect his ability as a fighter, and I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but this is a fight and I can be just as nasty as anybody when I have to be.”

Murray has done the bulk of his training in South Africa, running at altitude and pushing his body to its limit, and the experience, he believes, has sufficiently prepared his mind for the sternest test of his seven-year professional career.

“I went over with a great bunch of lads and that made it easier for me,” he said. “I spent quite a lot of time in my room on my own, though. I wouldn’t say I was moody or horrible to be around, but I was focused and serious a lot of the time.

“Being away just made me focus that bit more and gave me more of a drive. I was away from home, away from my family and it was all for the right reasons.”

Such was the level of Murray’s focus, he even attached a picture of Golovkin, Saturday’s opponent, to a heavy bag in his gymnasium. It acted as a daily reminder.

“That picture was put on the heavy bag on day one and it was still there when I left on Friday,” said the 32-year-old. “It wasn’t done for publicity. It’s something we’ve always done. No matter who I’ve fought, there has always been a picture of them on a bag or on the wall. It’s just good to have their face in the gym. It makes you constantly aware of what is to come. To be honest, I’m sick of the sight of Golovkin now. I’ve seen him every single day.

“Saying that, though, it’s been extremely easy to switch off when I’ve needed to. In fact, I’ve never slept better during a training camp. I don’t know whether that’s because I’ve trained harder than ever or what, but sleep has been really easy this camp.

“I’ve thought about Golovkin, but only when I’ve needed to think about him. For example, I’d think about him on my way to training and while in the gym. Aside from that, though, I’ve put him to the back of my mind. I pick and choose when I need to focus on him.

“On Saturday night he’ll be the only thing on my mind.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 (10pm) ***

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www.maxinutrition.com
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www.goldengloves.co.za
www.k2promo.com

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LONDON (17 FEB) World super-middleweight contender ‘Saint’ George Groves has experienced firsthand the quality of reigning WBA Super world middleweight champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, but insists Martin Murray is the man to test the Kazakh destroyer when they meet on Saturday (February 21) in Monte Carlo.

Groves, a two-time world title challenger, spent a week in training camp with Golovkin last summer and the pair sparred a number of rounds together. It offered the Londoner the chance to see exactly why Golovkin, 31-0 (28 KOs), is the most feared fighter on the planet right now.

“Sometimes you get a quick puncher who hits hard, like Mike Tyson, but you assume they’re not going to last that long,” said Groves. “After three or four rounds, it’s likely they’ll tire. But Golovkin has a style that allows him to set his own rhythm and get into his own groove and it’s hard to knock him out of it.

“To beat him, you can’t only be good at one thing. If you’re just fast, you won’t beat him. If you just have power, you won’t beat him. He has so much time in the pocket to work you out. He’ll find the openings.

“The most impressive thing I discovered was that he’s exceptional at setting traps. He’ll have guys thinking they’ll avoid his punch power and move around the ring, yet he cuts the ring off, feints, sets traps and quickly gets them to fight his fight.

“It doesn’t take him long. Once the ring closes on them, he goes to work and he has a great variety of shots, he works the body well, and, when he sees an opening, he has so much time. He’s a wily old cat who can really bite.

“Ultimately, you’re always on a knife edge with someone like Golovkin. You’ve got to be prepared to punch with him. You’ve got to be prepared to take a shot to land a shot at times. If you’re too concerned about getting hit, you’ll panic, make a mistake and end up getting hit and hurt. You have to try and land some shots of your own and command his respect. If he’s got nothing to worry about, he’ll be in that groove and rhythm of his all day.

“And you’re not dealing with a technically poor fighter who has incredible punch power. He has incredible punch power and elite-level technical ability. This means he’s always in the right place at the right time, with perfect balance, to land some of the most hurtful shots in boxing. That’s a scary thing for most opponents.”

Groves concedes that Murray, 29-1-1 (12 KOs), isn’t the type to get scared or overawed when placed in a daunting situation. In fact, he’s shown in previous world title tilts, against Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez, that he’s the sort of fighter who rises to the occasion.

“I think Martin Murray is certainly a world-class operator and he has looked exceptional at times, usually when asked to step up,” said Groves. “He’s proven himself to be one of the best in the division.

“Golovkin has gone through every one of his opponents like a hot knife through butter, so you wouldn’t back against him or begrudge him being the favourite, but I get the impression Murray is a very tough man to beat. He’s strong, he has a good boxing brain, he has a good variety of punches and he’s very experienced.

“I also like the fact Murray has a bit of a maverick approach to boxing. He isn’t signed to a standard UK promoter, he’s got his own ideas and I understand and appreciate that. He’s his own man. In these circumstances, that’s the best way to be. And, with the hype around Golovkin, ignorance and single-mindedness could be a real blessing.

“Also, Golovkin is so busy and has been boxing so well, it could be very easy for him to take his eye off the ball or go a little easy in training because he knows he’s scheduled for another three or four fights this year.

“Murray is not the sort of opponent you can take lightly. He can change and adapt to a certain degree; we’ve seen him fight up close with a tight guard and not give much away, and we’ve seen him box at mid-range and long-range behind a good jab and straight punches. He also looks like he’s got good physical strength, so he’ll be able to stand toe-to-toe when he needs to.

“All in all, I think it will definitely be one of Golovkin’s hardest fights. I don’t think Murray will crumble or get taken out early. We’ve seen good, durable fighters like Matthew Macklin and Daniel Geale crumble early against him, but I don’t see Murray going that way.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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Monte-Carlo (February 16, 2015) WBA/IBO and WBC “Interim” Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN arrived in Monte-Carlo today for his showdown with top rated challenger MARTIN MURRAY set for this Saturday night, February 21 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo and telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.

Golovkin was accompanied by TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions and renowned longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte-Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (February 16, 2015) — Any doubts about Martin Murray’s mental state ahead of this weekend’s middleweight championship fight against Gennady Golovkin, boxing’s biggest puncher, can be laid to rest.

“This is going to be a war and I’m willing to do anything it takes,” the WBC number one contender has told promoter Rodney Berman.
The pair square off for Golovkin’s WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight titles at the Salle des Étoiles concert hall in Monte-Carlo on Saturday.
Berman is one of a number of boxing figureheads who believe that, like with Mike Tyson before, Golovkin’s opponents are out-psyched by his reputation long before they start trading punches. With 18 consecutive knockouts to his name, Golovkin is statistically the biggest puncher among boxing’s world champions.
“After I carry you on my shoulders, will you come visit me in hospital with my broken back?” Berman asked Murray.
The South African promoter says Murray has exhibited none of the anxiety so many of Golovkin’s other challengers have.
Murray’s response was straight out of Merseyside: “Might even be in the bed at the side of you because this is going to be a war and I’m willing to do anything it takes to become world champion.”
Berman, meanwhile, is attempting to push Friday’s weigh-in out to midday to accommodate the Murray “Barmy Army”. Murray’s family is also on a flight that is due to arrive in France around 11am and have chartered helicopters from Nice to Monaco to get to the weigh-in venue as fast as possible.
Golovkin’s camp has kindly agreed to the extension, although the Casino de Monte-Carlo, venue of the weigh-in, needs to be cleared out by 2pm, which requires a tight turnaround.
“It’s a good problem to have,” said Berman, who arrived in Monte-Carlo on Monday morning. “There’s already a great sense of excitement five days out. The boxers and their camps are streaming in, as is the press corps and boxing officials. We’re in for a massive weekend.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

The international broadcast and transmission rights to this world class event are being exclusively distributed by leading boxing rights distributor and sports marketing firm Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd., an Octapixx company.

Media Contacts
Bernie Bahrmasel, K2 Promotions, BernieBahrmasel@yahoo.com, + 773 592-2986
Clinton van der Berg, Golden Gloves of South Africa, Clinton.vanderBerg@SuperSport.com, + 27 83 297 4677
Eric Bessone, Monte Carlo SBM, E.Bessone@sbm.mc
Kevin Flaherty, HBO, Kevin.Flaherty@hbo.com, + 212 512-5052

LONDON (16 FEB) Newly-crowned WBO world middleweight champion Andy Lee will be in Monte Carlo on February 21 to oversee the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Martin Murray and is keen to face the winner at some point in the next twelve months.

Ireland’s Lee picked up his world championship with a stunning sixth-round knockout of Matt Korobov in December, but knows a future title unification fight could finally crown a true number one at 160lbs.

“Golovkin and Murray are nice guys and good fighters, and I hope to fight both of them some day,” he said. “I’ll be ringside in Monte Carlo watching as both a fan and a fighter. It’s a genuinely interesting fight – one I’d be interested in even if I wasn’t at their weight – and it also carries relevance to me and my career.

“I’ll be looking to see certain things in both fighters. I’ve seen Golovkin fight at least once before in the flesh, but I’ve never seen Murray fight in the flesh. It will be nice to see them up close and get a sense of what they’re like around a big fight.

“I think about a unification fight all the time. And, even though I’m now a world champion, Golovkin is still The Man in the division. He is rightly considered the number one middleweight in the world.

“Maybe this time next year we’ll be fighting for all the marbles. Though I’m sure Martin Murray will have something to say about that.”

A fan of both, Lee expects Golovkin to retain his title but is quick to shoot down any idea that Murray might be out of his depth on February 21.

“I think Murray is the best opponent Golovkin has faced,” said the southpaw. “I’d probably say Daniel Geale was the best up to this point, but Murray is a bit better than him. He’s more solid, stronger and he’s a big middleweight.

“Saying that, though, I don’t know if Martin will be able to do as much with Golovkin as even guys like (Gabriel) Rosado and (Curtis) Stevens did. From what we’ve seen of his past fights, Martin tends to be in front of you, he stands square and you don’t have to go looking for him. That might suit Golovkin.

“Stevens nullified him a bit because he took a negative approach and moved around the ring with a high guard for a few rounds. He didn’t really try to engage. He just picked his spots when he could.

“I could see Murray doing that for the first half of the fight and then hoping to come on strong at the end. Then he can use his bigger size and his strength. I think that would be Martin’s best approach; don’t try to win the first few rounds, just get through them without taking much punishment and land when you can. He just has to hope to find cracks in the second half of the fight.

“Remember, Murray has experience at this level. He’s gone twelve rounds with both (Sergio) Martinez and (Felix) Sturm. He’s definitely world-class. He also has belief. I don’t think he will be in awe of Golovkin. He won’t think he’s going to lose. Most people who face Golovkin are beaten before they’ve even stepped in the ring with him.”

Before turning pro in 2006, Lee boxed Golovkin as an amateur at the 2003 World Championships. He lost a decision and Golovkin went on to win the entire tournament. Suffice to say, Lee knew the steely-eyed Kazakh was special even back then.

“His footwork, feints and ability to cut off the ring are second to none,” he said. “He always has his opponent on edge. You’re in a constant state of panic, thinking he’s going to attack you at any moment, but he’s totally relaxed. It’s no big deal to him. He puts pressure on you with his feet all the time. And it’s mental pressure. Then, when you step to him, he’ll take a quick step away. He’s always on his toes, ready to fire.

“Murray will find he has to pick his spots wisely. You don’t get many of them and you have to be absolutely certain when they arrive. If you get it wrong, you could leave yourself exposed and end up in trouble.

“Martin knows this, though. He’s a clever, seasoned fighter. In some ways, he’s more experienced than me. He’s as ready as he’ll ever be.”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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Monte-Carlo (February 14, 2015) Seven days out from their highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and MARTIN MURRAY have both weighed in within the World Boxing Council’s (‘WBC’) required limits heading into their February 21 clash in Monte-Carlo.

From his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, Golovkin, the WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Champion weighed in at 163lbs. while top rated challenger Murray hit the scale at 165lbs. on Saturday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For middleweight world title fights, the WBC mandates that fighters must be no more than 168lbs. seven days prior to the fight.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

The fight from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo will be telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (February 11, 2015) — Having spent time with MARTIN MURRAY in Johannesburg at the weekend, South African promoter RODNEY BERMAN says he expects a fierce contest when Murray and GENNADY GOLOVKIN square off in Monte Carlo for Golovkin’s WBA Super World middleweight, interim WBC World middleweight and IBO middleweight titles next weekend.

Berman’s Golden Gloves is promoting the Monte-Carlo “Thunderbolt” show in association with K2 Promotions and GGG Promotions.

Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) is on a record 18 consecutive knockouts and will be seeking another against Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs), the highly-regarded WBC number one contender

“Obviously Martin is in the best shape he’s ever been, having worked incredibly hard in the summer heat down here. He’s pretty much in a no-lose situation because of the aura around Golovkin. If he goes the distance and doesn’t get the decision, that’s okay based on the reputation of Golovkin. But if Martin wins the world will be his oyster.”

Berman added that Murray’s camp has a plan and is very confident of executing it on February 21.

But he also expects a very determined Golovkin, knowing full well the intensity he brings to the action given that he has twice promoted him in the recent past, both times in Monaco.

“Golovkin has super fights down the road, against guys like Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, so he can’t afford to slip up now, he can’t afford not to have a good showing.”
With major international broadcast coverage guaranteed – the fight is being broadcast on HBO in the US and throughout Europe and elsewhere – Berman says the crescendo in and around Monte Carlo is building.

“There is a realisation that this is Golovkin’s first real test. He’s fighting a guy who, to all intents and purposes, is unbeaten. He’s bigger and he can handle himself. Murray also won’t freeze. He’s known dark times and dealt with trauma; fighting a man with two arms, like him, holds no fears.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.
The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

LONDON (6 FEB) Former world middleweight title challenger Matthew Macklin believes old adversary Gennady Golovkin will successfully defend his WBA Super world middleweight title against Martin Murray on February 21, LIVE on Channel 5, but is hoping the British challenger can pull off an almighty upset against all odds.

Thirty-two-year-old Macklin challenged Golovkin in June 2013 and came up short, losing via stoppage in round three. Since then he has watched the man known as ‘GGG’ go from strength to strength, defending his belt a further four times, and now awaits the challenge of Murray in Monte Carlo.

“I think Martin’s a solid all-rounder with a good defence,” said Macklin. “He’s not a massive puncher, but he looks physically strong, and he’s technically sound and very well-schooled. He doesn’t telegraph his shots. He’s tough and seems to have a decent chin.

“Murray has never really been bashed up before, either. He drew with (Felix) Sturm and he lost a close one with (Sergio) Martinez. Both fights were very competitive and Murray didn’t take a lot. He knows how to look after himself at the top level.

“Still, I don’t think Murray can beat Golovkin and I don’t want to romanticise his chances; I’d be surprised if he lasted the distance. But, having said that, Martin has a very tight defence and is a solid enough fighter. If anybody can go rounds with Golovkin, you’d think it would be someone like Murray.”

Of course, going rounds with a fearsome puncher like Golovkin is easier said than done. Macklin has firsthand experience of this. So do 30 other beaten opponents.

“Golovkin is so aggressive and has so much variety,” explained Macklin. “He also hits very hard. He can open up even the tightest of defences.

“In boxing, it’s easy to be relaxed when someone can’t hurt you. But, when they can, it’s a different story. You burn up a lot more nervous energy and you’re panicked into making mistakes. It’s a different ball game with Golovkin.

“Ultimately, I think Golovkin’s composure will shock Murray. That’s what shocked me. He’s very relaxed, with brilliant footwork, and he’s always balanced to throw punches. He judges distance extremely well and can cut off the ring better than anybody.

“It’s not even so much about the power. Obviously, he caught me with a corker of a shot and badly hurt my ribs, but, up to that point, I felt his power was solid but not enough to shake me up. It was more about his all-round ability, his composure and his confidence. Nothing fazes him and he’s able to exert a lot of pressure very quickly.

“I guess a lot will depend on Martin’s ambition. He’ll go into the ring looking to win, but that can quickly change once Golovkin goes to work. You see some guys just looking to survive after a certain point. If you try to win from round one to twelve, it’s unlikely you’ll last the distance with someone like Golovkin.”

No man has lasted the distance with Golovkin since 2008.

Though a fan of the Kazakh destroyer, Macklin hopes countryman Murray can go one better and hand ‘GGG’ his first career defeat.

“I’m a big fan of Golovkin and was a big fan before I fought him,” Macklin admitted. “He’s a fantastic fighter and a lovely guy. I’ll be following his career and supporting him in the future.

“But it would be great for Martin Murray and for British boxing if we could get that world title over here. I think Martin will give a great account of himself. I just don’t think he has enough to beat Golovkin. Then again, this is boxing and big upsets happen. Who would’ve thought ‘Buster’ Douglas could beat Mike Tyson in 1990?”

*** Boxing superstar Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin defends his WBA Super world middleweight title against Britain’s Martin Murray on Saturday, February 21 in Monte Carlo, LIVE on Channel 5 ***

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For more information on Channel 5, MaxNutrition, Golden Gloves, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
www.maxinutrition.com
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www.goldengloves.co.za
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Monte-Carlo (January 21, 2015) Thirty days out from their highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and MARTIN MURRAY have both weighed in within the World Boxing Council’s (‘WBC’) required limits heading into their February 21 clash in Monte-Carlo.

From his training camp in Big Bear Lake, California, Golovkin, the WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight Champion weighed in at 172lbs. while top rated challenger Murray hit the scale at 169lbs. on Wednesday morning in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For middleweight world title fights, the WBC mandates that fighters must be no more than 176lbs. thirty days prior to the fight.

Said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions, “The interest from the fans and media worldwide has been extraordinary for this event. Golovkin and Murray are exceptionally well conditioned athletes and each will be ready on February 21 to prove who the best middleweight in the world is.”

“Both of these fighters are in excellent shape and boxing fans around the world will be in for an outstanding battle in boxing’s most glamorous division on February 21, “ said RODNEY BERMAN of Golden Gloves of South Africa.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

The fight from the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo will be telecast worldwide including Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/PT in the United States.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight KO victory and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue where many world champions have fought including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

Golovkin holds the highest knockout percentage in world title fights of any active champion with a perfect 100%.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Los Angeles, California, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, both fights taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25th, Martin Murray stopped Dominico Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a highly controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown world champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite the scoring of a highly controversial split decision draw.

By Norm Frauenheim–

Gennady Golovkin’s stop in Los Angeles Wednesday at the end of an international tour for his Feb. 21 bout with Martin Murray in Monaco was an anti-dote, timely relief from speculation about what’s happening or not happening in negotiations for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez-Miguel Cotto.

Boxing is stuck in never-never land these days, but at least there’s Golovkin, who brings a clear sense of purpose and direction to what he’s doing.

Some of the best-known names continue to avoid him with a litany of tired excuses. The latest, Peter Quillin, said Golovkin just isn’t a draw. Huh? Didn’t he just sell out the Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., for his quick stoppage of Marco Antonio Rubio? Quillin wishes he could draw crowds like GGG.

But with that unflappable, what-me-worry grin, Golovkin moves forward, telling a news conference that he plans to fight four times in 2015. The Murray bout is intriguing and perhaps Golovkin’s toughest to date.

Murray knocked down Sergio Martinez and lost a 12-round decision to the then middleweight champ in Buenos Aires. The durable Murray promises to test GGG. But the guess here is that Golovkin wins in the late rounds for a 19th successive stoppage.

Then what? Some familiar names were mentioned Wednesday. Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez continues to talk about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Chavez, he says, has a style that would produce a dynamically dramatic bout with Golovkin. But Chavez’ contract problems with Top Rank could put him on the legal shelf for a while.

Here’s another idea: Go straight to Canelo Alvarez, the popular Mexican who is moving up weight for a shot at Cotto’s 160-pound title. Canelo has said he’s willing to fight Golovkin. Representatives for Canelo and Cotto are reportedly close to a deal for a May 2 bout, another potential classic in the great Mexican-Puerto Rican rivalry.

There was talk that the agreement would be announced Tuesday. Tuesday came and went with no news. As of Thursday, there was still nothing. A snag? Breakdown? Maybe not. But you never know.

If talks stall, Golovkin should let Golden Boy Promotions know that he’s willing and available for the May 2 date that Canelo wants, no matter happens with Mayweather-Pacquiao and Mayyweather’s attempt to take ownership of the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mayweather, who calls the prized date Cinco de Mayweather, showed up at a Pacer-Lakers game on Jan. 5 at Staples Center in Los Angeles decked out in Mexican colors.

It was his way of courting Mexican fans. But it could backfire. Mayweather in the green, white and red might be seen as trespassing on Mexico’s historical turf. Meanwhile, Mexican fans already have begun to embrace Golovkin. Before GGG’s victory over Rubio in October, some of those same fans arrived at the Stub Hub Center wearing T-shirts that said: “Mexicans for Golovkin.’’

If Canelo-Golovkin gets done and Canelo wins, then a Golovkin bout could be negotiated for the September date that celebrates Mexican Independence. Mayweather wants to own that date, too. Golovkin could help Canelo in his fight to re-claim it.

Monte-Carlo, New York, Johannesburg (January 8, 2015) — Martin Murray arrives in South Africa this weekend to set up camp ahead of his February 21 clash with WBC Interim and WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in Monte-Carlo on February 21.

The Englishman is in the middle of a 12-week training programme his advisor Andrew Mikhail describes as “pure hell” in anticipation of the toughest fight of his 31-bout career.
With no family in tow, Murray intends leading a Spartan training existence, going out only to former welterweight contender Harold Volbrecht’s nearby gym on the eastern side of Johannesburg for workouts. He will have trainer Oliver Harrison, two UK sparring partners and his chef alongside, leaving nothing to chance in his third championship crack.
Murray respects Golovkin, but cares little for the prediction that he will be yet another lamb to the slaughter next month.
“This is once in a lifetime, a massive fight. I’m up for it, I really am. Golovkin is favourite, but I’ve been in this position before, against Sergio Martinez. I don’t focus on what people say. I’m doing what I do. The more people who think he beats me, the better.”
The warm African conditions, Johannesburg’s 1700m (5577 feet) altitude and excellent training facilities appealed to Murray (29-1-1, 12 KOs) despite having to leave his family behind.
“It’s painful,” he said, “but I’m giving myself every possibility. It’s all business.”
Speaking while working up a sweat on his stationary bike at home in St Helens, Murray said that he had spent a lot of time watching Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) on tape. “I like watching the best of my opponents. It switches me on more.”
He sees what we all do, chiefly power and speed, but he also sees chinks in the champion’s armour.
“I’m big for a middleweight and have a lot of advantages in size and defence.”
His sparring partners, who will be supplemented by South African fighters, will be expected to mimic Golovkin. “I want them throwing bombs, that’s what I’m looking for,” Murray says excitedly.
Mikhail is one of the few expecting an upset from the WBC # 1 contender. “Martin is putting himself through the pain barrier like I’ve never seen before. It’s on a different level. His mind is so powerful, it’s unbelievable.
“Things could hardly be worse than fighting in Argentina, as he did in 2013, when he had 50 000 Argentines baying for him, spitting on him. In Monte-Carlo three-quarters of the arena will be full of Englishmen.”
He says that Golovkin cannot afford to be complacent. “We recently watched all his fights. Martin is far and away the best he will have fought. Martin would have beaten all the guys Golovkin has. Golovkin is unbelievable, but he has faults as well. If he can KO Martin, he’s very special. I would then rate him the greatest middleweight of them all, like a Hagler or a Sugar Ray. I really mean that.”
Murray himself is counting the days to his big fight date. “I want this more than anything. This is my time. I must keep cracking on.”

GOLOVKIN vs MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

The fight will be broadcast internationally from the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue in Monte-Carlo.

Big Bear Lake, CA (December 25, 2014) While wishing his fans across the globe a “Merry Christmas”, WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN spent the holiday training for his upcoming world title defense against two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY, the WBC’s #1 ranked middleweight set for Saturday, February 21 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo.

Golovkin is training at The Summit High Altitude Training Center in Big Bear Lake, California under longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ. The duo has worked together at the Southern California camp since June 2010.

“It feels great to be back in camp,” said Golovkin. “We’re working hard with my Coach Abel Sanchez to put on another exciting show in Monte-Carlo against Martin Murray.”

“Gennady was looking forward to starting his training,” said TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions. “This is an excellent matchup between the best middleweight and the #1 rated challenger and Gennady will be well prepared to defend his titles against Murray on February 21.”

Prior to the start of training camp, Golovkin traveled the globe for press conferences in front of huge crowds of media in Monte Carlo, Astana, London and Mexico City. He also attended the WBC Convention in Las Vegas.

“Gennady is one of the most internationally marketable fighters in the world. At every stop the attention we received was overwhelming from the media and fans,” continued Loeffler.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA title on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Monte-Carlo (December 17, 2014) Advance ticket information has been released for the highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship between WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN and WBC #1 ranked, two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY set for Saturday, February 21st at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo.

Advance tickets starting at 200€ can be purchased by calling the Monte-Carlo SBM Ticket Office at + 377 98 06 36 36 (Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CET) or by email at TicketOffice@SBM.mc.

Tickets are also available online through www.FNACTickets.com and www.DigiTick.com.

Boxing fans are also eligible to receive a 10% special rate discount at the beautiful Monte-Carlo Bay & Resort located adjacent to the Salle des Etoiles venue. Using the code ‘Bonanza’, reservations can be made online through www.MonteCarloBay.com.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte-Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte-Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte-Carlo along with Monte-Carlo SBM.

Big Bear Lake, CA (December 16, 2014) Following a world wind International Press Tour with stops in Monte Carlo, Astana, London and Mexico City, WBA/IBO and WBC ‘Interim’ Middleweight World Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN has opened training camp in Big Bear Lake, California for his upcoming world title defense against two-time world title challenger MARTIN MURRAY, the WBC’s #1 ranked middleweight.

Under the watchful eye of longtime trainer ABEL SANCHEZ, Golovkin is slated to defend his titles on Saturday, February 21st at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo.

“It was a very busy time these last few weeks but I liked spending time with the media and fans all over the world,” said Golovkin on Monday, speaking from the World Boxing Council Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I look forward to starting training camp with my coach and putting on another great show in Monte Carlo.”

Stated TOM LOEFFLER of K2 Promotions, “The response Gennady has received all over the world these last few weeks has been extraordinary. From both media and fans it’s clear that he’s the fastest rising international star in boxing.”

“Gennady is also anxious to start training and looks forward to the biggest test of his career facing Martin Murray who is rated at the top of the middleweight division.”

The Five-City International Press Tour for Golovkin will culminate in Los Angeles with details of a January press conference to be announced shortly.

Boxing’s Fastest Rising Superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, 31-0-0 with 28 KO’s, scored his 18th straight stoppage and 12th defense of his WBA/IBO titles on Saturday, October 18th with a devastating second round knockout of WBC “Interim” Middleweight Champion, Marco Antonio Rubio in front of a standing room only crowd of 9,323 at the StubHub! Center in Carson, California, USA. The attendance was record setting, far surpassing any other previous boxing events held at the acclaimed West Coast venue including those featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andre Ward.

A native of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, now residing in Stuttgart, Germany, Golovkin has fought twice previously in Monte Carlo. In March 2012, Golovkin knocked out former world champion Nobuhiro Ishida in the third stanza, which earned him numerous “Knockout of the Year” awards from the international boxing media and scored a sixth round stoppage of former world title challenger Osumanu Adama in February 2013, also taking place at the Salle des Etoiles.

On October 25, Martin Murray stopped Dominic Spada in the fifth round also at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo. Golovkin was ringside for the Murray/Spada bout and came away impressed by his performance. With the victory, Murray of Merseyside, United Kingdom improved his record to 29-1-1 (13KO’s).

In April 2012, Murray traveled to Buenos Aries, Argentina and battled hometown world champion Sergio Martinez. Despite dropping Martinez in the eighth round, he lost a controversial decision in a bout many in the media and ringside observers believe he was victorious in.

Three fights earlier, Murray headed to Mannheim, Germany in December 2011 to challenge also hometown champion Felix Sturm. Outlanding Sturm throughout the fight with blistering power punches, most ringside observers and media members also thought he won this fight despite settling for a highly controversial split decision draw.

GOLOVKIN vs. MURRAY is presented by Golden Gloves of South Africa, K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions, Expo 2017 and Tsesnabank, Casino de Monte Carlo along with Monte Carlo SBM.

Congratulations. Your recent tournament in Monte Carlo delivered high-quality match-ups. Presumably your partners in Monaco were very satisfied?
I would hope so. The objective is gaining publicity for the principality, encouraging tourism, that sort of thing. It was very well received internationally.
The reality is we have been moving towards Gennady Golovkin against Martin Murray, which will be a mega-event.

You are now promoting Martin Murray and have co-promoted a number of Gennady Golovkin’s fights in Monaco. How difficult was it to put together Murray versus Golovkin for next February?
It was relatively easy. It was a very unique situation: both Golovkin and Murray are thorough gentlemen and [K2 Promotions’] Tom Loeffler, on Golovkin’s side, is one of the most honourable guys I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. Andrew Mikhail, Murray’s advisor, is of the same ilk. They understand the logistics. Outside of a Miguel Cotto or Canelo Alvarez fight, Murray against Golovkin was an obvious choice for international television and a great fans’ fight.

Are you torn? It is well-known that you have an excellent relationship with each.
Yes, it’s very difficult. Golovkin has done a helluva lot for Golden Gloves. It has been a privilege promoting him and it’s fair to say part of his stature has grown from his past fights in Monte Carlo.
And we promote Murray. As I said when it was announced, this is a very hard fight for me . . . both guys are very dear to me. As long as it’s a good, competitive fight, neither fighter truly “loses”. I can assure you Murray is not going to be another Marco Antonio Rubio.

What qualities do they each bring to the fight and what do you think will be critical in determining a winner?
The jury is still out to some extent on GGG’s super status. He hasn’t fought the superstars as yet. From what I’ve seen, all of his opponents, perhaps with the exception of Curtis Stevens, were defeated before they stepped foot in the ring.
Murray, though, comes from a tough background. I will venture to say that he will be the first challenger who won’t be overwhelmed. He has true boxing skills and will also be the biggest middleweight Golovkin will have fought.
Remember, Murray is probably a two-time uncrowned champion who gave a peak Sergio Martinez a very good fight.
One of the reasons I give Murray a chance is that Golden Gloves has been involved in some of the biggest upsets in recent years – Hasim Rahman beating Lennox Lewis, Corrie Sanders knocking out Wladimir Klitschko, Harry Simon beating Winky Wright and Vuyani Bungu handling Kennedy McKinney. The list is uncanny.

What has the appetite been from the international broadcast community for February’s big fight?
Outstanding. There has been much competition in various countries for the rights because it is seen as a proper fight. HBO in the US, Channel 5 in the UK, Chinese television and SuperSport across Africa will all be taking the fight, plus many more regions.

The venue in Monte Carlo is a small, intimate one. Given the scale of the fight, how do you plan on satisfying the fans, media, dignitaries and VIP’s?
It’s great because the demand will exceed the supply 100-fold. It’s virtually sold out already. The pressure for tickets doubles the value for television.
The truth is we can’t ensure everyone who wants a ticket will get one. We have to be very selective, it’s one of those things. When we ventured into Monte Carlo, this is what we knew.

Golden Gloves has been around a long time and promoted many big names, among them Shane Mosley, Lennox Lewis, Gennady Golovkin, Corrie Sanders and Brian Mitchell. You have made big headway in Europe and are planning to promote in the UK. Tell us more about your business model and ambitions.
I’m a front man. I have a lot of support from top drawer partners, from our driver to the matchmaker, who are all a part of Golden Gloves’ success.
The reason for our success is we run on corporate lines and don’t let emotions get in the way. We are fortunate that SuperSport Television in South Africa were very much part of our success, as was [hotel group] Sun International and more latterly Peermont.
We have also been blessed with very good fighters. We are probably getting stronger and stronger promotionally. We are getting requests from a lot of international boxers to join us. We will soon promote in England and have been approached by another country in Europe.
My one ambition, probably unattainable, is to promote a black world heavyweight champion born and bred in South Africa.

You have a tremendous little fighter in the shape of WBA and IBO minimumweight champion Hekkie Budler, fresh off a win against former WBC champion Xiong Zhao Zhong. What are your plans with him?
I’m hoping Hekkie won’t be deprived of his true greatness. Zhong refused to fight him when he was WBC champion, and Hekkie beat him convincingly last month.
[WBC champion] Oswaldo Novoa similarly rejected an offer to fight him in a unification. It’s extremely difficult to make those fights.
I’m almost certain that we will soon feature him on a K2 Promotions undercard in the United States where Hekkie can become just as marketable as guys like Chiquita Gonzalez and Michael Carbajal. That’s what we’re aiming for.

Unbeaten Tommy Oosthuizen also makes his return after a year’s layoff against Denis Grachev this weekend. He’s had a few issues with indiscipline in the past. What does the future hold for Tommy?
Tommy is the captain of his own soul. He has unlimited ability, but it’s up to him. There are opportunities if he satisfies us and knuckles down. Depending how he goes against Grachev, I will push for him at the WBC convention to get suitable recognition in the light-heavyweight division.

There was the recent death of a female boxer in a South African ring and there have been tremendous issues with Boxing South Africa. What is your view on the state of SA boxing?
I would rather not comment.

Monaco, October 25 — The deal has been signed – unbeaten WBA, IBO and WBC Interim middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KOs) of Kazakhstan will fight top-rated Martin Murray (28-1-1, 12 KOs) of the UK in Monte Carlo on February 21.

Golden Gloves and K2 Promotions announced the bout minutes after Murray’s successful WBC Silver belt defence against Domenico Spada in Monaco on Saturday.
Golovkin will go in search of his record 19th straight stoppage while Murray will be hoping it is third time lucky after two previous title bids were rebuffed by the judges.
“Murray is generally regarded as the best middleweight outside the world champions,” said promoter Rodney Berman. “As we all know, he’s a world champion without a belt. He won’t be intimidated for one second fighting ‘GGG’, unlike all of Golovkin’s challengers.”
Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions agreed. “Arguably, Martin Murray will be the toughest opponent Gennady has ever faced. It’s a great way to follow up the Marco Antonio Rubio win: coming back to Europe and Monte Carlo against a top-rated middleweight contender.
“It fits in perfectly as Murray has shown he is world class and Gennady wants to continue to prove himself the most exciting fighter out there. Gennady is making big inroads in the US, but it’s also important for the fight to be in primetime in Europe where he has so many fans.”
Murray has won four fights since dropping a narrow decision to then-WBC champion Sergio Martinez in 2013, the last two of which were in Monte Carlo.
Golovkin has won 13 straight world championship fights – all by stoppage – on his way to confirming his status as the world’s most exciting boxer.
He has also fought twice before in Monte Carlo, beating Nobuhiro Ishida in 2013 and Osumanu Adama in February.
He was ringside in Monte Carlo on Saturday and said: “It feels great to get this fight. Murray is a great fighter, very strong. I remember the Sergio Martinez bout; it was an amazing fight. Along with Matthew Macklin and Daniel Geale, Murray is one of the best pure boxers in the division.
“I like to test myself. I’m giving him a chance and for Europe this is the biggest fight in the middleweight division. It is important to fight here, where many of my fans and followers are
Said Murray: “I think he’s a top fighter. He’s crushed everybody he’s been in with, but I’ve got the tools to beat any middleweight out there. I wouldn’t be taking the fight if I didn’t think I could win. A lot of his opponents have gone into the fight already beat. You won’t get that with me. I’m gonna go in there and stand up to him.”
Berman rates Golovkin highly, but believes that Murray has a chance of an upset.
“I have the highest regard for Golovkin, but the truth is his opponents have been sitting ducks. Out of fear, they lose the fight before they step into the ring; they’re intimidated and scared. You look at Murray’s background and just know he won’t be cowered. He’s the first guy I’ve seen who will create angles, who won’t stand in front of Golovkin waiting to be hit. Murray will make Golovkin work. He has the ability to outhustle him,” said the man who has famously promoted a number of major upsets over the years.
These include Hasim Rahman’s KO of heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, Corrie Sanders’ blowout of Wladimir Klitschko and Vuyani Bungu’s shock win over unbeaten Kennedy McKinney.
“It doesn’t get better than coming back to Monte Carlo,” added Loeffler. “The atmosphere is electric and Gennady enjoys it. He makes every fight an exciting fight because of his style. Every opponent has a plan . . . until they feel Gennady’s first punch.”
The undercard, Berman assured, would be top rate.

World ranked Middleweight Martin Murray scored a technical decision over Domenico Spada in a scheduled 12-round bout at Salle des etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Murray was a head when a cut around the right eye of Spada ended the fight.

Murray was ahead by scores of 69-67, 67-66 and 68-63 and raised his record to 29-1-1. Spada of Italy drops to 39-6.

Murray now could be in line to face Gennady Golovkin in 2015.

Randy Caballero scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Stuart Hall to capture the vacant IBF Bantamweight title.

Caballero, 117 lbs of Cochella, Ca won by scores of 118-110 and 116-111 twice and is now 22-0. Hall, 117 lbs of of England is 16-4-2.

Caballero scored a knockdown in round two from a hard one-two combination.

Eleider Alvarez scored a 7th round stoppage over Ryno Liebenberg in a scheduled 12-round battle of undefeated Light Heavyweights.

Alvarez dropped Liebenberg in round seven with a uppercut and he was cut badly under his left eye and the fight was stopped at 1:52 of round seven.

Alvarez of Montreal is now 16-0 with 9 knockouts. Liebenberg of South Africa is now 16-1.

LONDON (24 OCT) St. Helens middleweight Martin Murray knows victory on Saturday night (October 25) against Italian Domencio Spada could set him up for a February date with WBA world middleweight champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin.

He is reminded of this in every interview and conversation and will be reminded further when the fearsome Golovkin takes his seat at ringside in Monte Carlo and watches Murray and Spada do battle for the WBC Silver middleweight title.

“It’s been a motivation thing for me,” said Murray, 28-1-1 (12 KOs). “People talk about Golovkin and you’ve got to answer questions about it, but the more people I get asking me about it, the more I get motivated to do a proper job on Spada this Saturday night.

“I knew I had a world title shot against Sergio Martinez back in 2013, but I still had to go out there and beat Jorge Navarro to get it. It’s the same tomorrow. If I don’t beat Spada, there’s no world title fight.

“For that reason, I’m completely focused on Spada and am not thinking about Golovkin one bit. In fact, I didn’t even watch his fight against Marco Antonio Rubio at the weekend. I just completely ignored it. Instead, I stuck on a DVD of Spada that morning to keep me focused.

“I want the Golovkin fight and it’s one I’ve always wanted. It’s one I look forward to. But, in order to get the fight I want, I have to beat Spada on Saturday night.”

Since losing a contentious decision in Argentina to then WBC world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, Murray has gone from strength to strength, beating the likes of Max Bursak and Sergey Khomitsky in distance fights and picking up the WBC Silver title.

Spada, his first challenger, hails from Roma and is a former WBC International champion and European title challenger. Now 34, Spada, 39-5 (19 KOs), remains robust and durable at a world-class level.

“He’s experienced,” said Murray. “His style is horrible and awkward but it works for him. You look at videos of him and think he looks very beatable. He looks like he’s got nothing about him. But then you look at his record and look at the people he has fought and beat and you start to realise that he makes his style work for him.

“He’s got a good record. He pushed Darren Barker close and then Darren went on to win a world middleweight title.

“His style isn’t the prettiest and he can be quite dirty at times, but that’s not to say he isn’t dangerous. If you overlook someone like Spada, he’ll make you regret it.”

The 32-year-old continued: “I think he’s going to come out fast. He’s smaller than me in height and in build and he’ll probably look to get inside on me early. I’m expecting him to start fast and look to work me over with big shots. He’ll try to rough me up. He’ll be physical.

“But we’ve worked on picking clean shots as he’s coming in – working shots around the sides and bringing them up through the middle. I’ll be landing on him whenever he opens up and slowing him down. I want to control the first half of the fight and then completely take over in the second. I want to get the stoppage if I can.

“First and foremost, though, I have to just get the job done. I need to go in there and execute the game plan. But, of course, we’ve been working on finishing shots and I’m looking to take him out when the opportunity comes. I want to go in there and make a statement.”

Murray’s scheduled 12-rounder with Spada will be televised on Channel 5 this Saturday night (October 25) alongside the vacant IBF world bantamweight title fight between Darlington’s Stuart Hall and the unbeaten American Randy Caballero.

The action gets underway at 8.30pm and continues right on through to 11pm, meaning fight fans will be treated to some two-and-a-half hours of world-class boxing. Murray couldn’t be happier.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable to be fighting on Channel 5,” he said. “It’s brilliant for me and my team and it’s brilliant for everyone at home. I get some great exposure out of it and all my friends and family at home can watch me on terrestrial television. That’s priceless for a boxer.

“Since the Felix Sturm fight (in December 2011), I’ve suffered from inactivity and have been in the shadows a little bit. My profile then dipped after the Martinez fight and not a lot of people have been able to see me fight recently. This changes everything, though. It feels like everything I had to put up with in the past has now been worth it.”

*** Hall vs. Caballero, Murray vs. Spada and Blackwell vs. Khomitsky will all be televised this Saturday night (October 25) on Channel 5, 8.30pm – 11pm ***

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