Martin Murray has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing and will make his debut for his new promoter at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Friday June 26.
Murray will be officially unveiled at a press conference in London on Wednesday where he will discuss his future plans as he boxes in England for the first time since December 2013, and he joins a stellar cast of Merseyside stars as World-rated Super Middleweights Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding face acid tests, with Smith meeting former European champion Christopher Rebrasse and Fielding tackles tough Texan Brian Vera, while Tony Bellew meets the experienced Czech Lubos Suda as he closes in on a mooted autumn World title clash with IBF king Yoan Hernandez.
Murray’s return marks his first action since his gutsy display in Monte Carlo against Middleweight beast Gennady Golovkin. The St Helens man pushing the Kazakh star further than any other opponent he’s faced in his run of World title defences, and the 32 year old is excited about the next chapter in his career as he moves up to Super Middleweight.
“I’m delighted to sign for Matchroom and am so excited about the future with them and Sky Sports,” said Murray. “I’ve been in major fights all over the World against Felix Sturm in Germany, Sergio Martinez in Argentina and Golovkin in France but now I feel it’s time that I had those major fights in the UK.
“I’ve fought the very best at Middleweight and now I’m ready to do the same at 168lbs. It’s a hot division and domestically can throw up some absolute wars. James DeGale did great to capture the World title and I’d love that fight later this year. George Groves is also challenging for a title and again it’s a fight I’d relish.
“I’m excited to return at the Echo Arena on June 26. I’ve never boxed there and it’s not far from my hometown – it’s the beginning of a new journey for me. I’ve always felt I could become a World champion and now under Eddie, Matchroom and Sky Sports I know I will make that dream become reality.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Martin to our team of elite fighters,” said Hearn. “Martin has proved time and again that he is one of the best Middleweights in the world and now I am looking forward to building him further in the UK and being involved in some huge domestic and international fights.
“It all starts on June 26 at the Echo Arena – these are great times for British boxing and I’m so pleased I get the chance to deliver for Martin Murray.”
Murray replaces David Price on the Liverpool bill after the Heavyweight favorite was forced to withdraw from action due to a neck injury…
Price has been forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on June 26 due to an injury sustained in training. The 31 year-old heavyweight suffered a neck muscle injury, which will keep him out of the gym for two weeks and therefore unable to compete. The stacked Matchroom Boxing show featuring Tony Bellew, Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding will continue as planned.
‘’Of course I’m disappointed,’’ said the former British and Commonwealth Champion. ‘’I had been looking forward to returning home at the very top of my game and fighting in front of my home fans once again, but unfortunately that will have to wait. My neck muscle needs resting and that has disrupted my preparations and made it impossible for me to be at full fitness for June 26.’’
Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’Fortunately the neck injury is nothing too serious but the decision has been made to withdraw David from the June 26 card. David wanted to be at his best for his first fight back in Liverpool for over two years and we would not risk him fighting at anything less than 100%. It’s a shame for the promotion but with Tony Bellew, Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding all in action, it’s still a great card that Eddie Hearn has put together and fans can still look forward to a great night of boxing at the Echo Arena.’’
Fans that require refunds for the show should contact their point of purchase.
