MURRAY: BLACKWELL JIBES FIRE ME UP
MARTIN MURRAY says friends telling him he’s in a no-win situation when he boxes Nick Blackwell is all the motivation needed
The big St Helens ticket seller challenges Blackwell for the vacant British middleweight title at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena on Saturday night (18th June).
Murray, 28, will also be risking his Commonwealth and WBA inter-continental title against Trowbridge’s former unlicensed battler who has won all eight professional contests.
Murray is a big favourite to win the triple title tussle, but says: “I know people are saying if win on points I will have struggled and if I knockout Nick, I beat a young kid.
“That sort of stuff is making me more determined to impress so people say have to say I look good however long the job takes.
“Myself and trainer, Oliver Harrison are going all the way together and Nick is a serious obstacle in my way.”
Once Murray passes the Blackwell test he hopes to join fellow Britons Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker on the world stage.
Murray ranked number 4 in the WBA rankings added: “Macklin deserves his chance against WBA champion Felix Sturm and I really hope he wins, but how did Barker earn his challenge against WBC title holder Darren Barker?
“He must be the greatest blagger in the world to get that chance when he has hardly boxed in 18 months.”
Also on the Sky televised Wigan bill British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla challenges Belgian Herve De Luca for the vacant WBA inter-continental title.
British Olympian Joe Murray boxes for his first professional title in his 11th fight meeting Scot James Ancliff for the IBF international featherweight title.
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £35, £55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com /0844 847 2500/ 01925 755222