Martin Murray (boxer)

Martin Murray (born 27 September 1982) is a British professional boxer who has competed since 2007. He has held the WBA interim middleweight title from 2011 to 2014, the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles between 2010 and 2012, and challenged five times for a world title.[1]

Martin Murray
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Reach73 in (185 cm)
NationalityBritish
Born (1982-09-27) 27 September 1982
St Helens, Merseyside,
England
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights46
Wins39
Wins by KO17
Losses6
Draws1

Professional career

Early career

Murray's professional debut came in September 2007 with a victory over Jamie Ambler at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan. He fought once more that year to finish 2007 with a record of 2-0. A busy 2008 saw Murray fight seven more times scoring seven victories over a series of journeyman opponents.[2] On 22 November 2008, he stepped into the limelight by taking part in the fourth series of the Prizefighter tournament shown live on sky. He scored wins over Joe Rea and Danny Butler before beating former English title challenger Cello Renda in the final to claim the £25,000 first prize.[3] Following the tournament victory Murray marked time with wins over fellow prospect Kevin Concepcion in April 2009[4] and former Commonwealth title challenger Thomas Awinbono in July of the same year.[5]

Ricky Hatton Promotions

Murray left VIP Promotions after the Awinbono fight to sign with Hatton Promotions. His first fight was on the undercard of Matthew Macklin's European Title win at the Manchester Velodrome. Murray faced George Aduashvili of Georgia on 25 September 2009 and scored a first-round knockout victory. Following the win Murray said that former British champion Wayne Elcock was on his radar as a man he'd like to beat in order to push himself into future title contention.[6] Murray's next fight on 27 November 2009 instead saw the man from St Helens outpoint Belarus boxer Sergey Khomitsky with a points victory over 8 rounds (Khomitsky was the first opponent, who managed to knock Murray down to the canvas for the first time in his pro career).[7] In his first fight of 2010 Murray continued his winning run against international opposition with a victory over the Georgian middleweight champion Shalva Jomardashvili.[8] A shot at the Commonwealth title against Tanzanian boxer Francis Cheka should then have subsequently followed. However, Cheka was refused a work permit and on 24 May 2010 in Sheffield, Murray instead defeated late replacement Lee Noble in another non-title fight en route to recording his 19th straight victory.[9]

Two years later, Murray gave Nick Blackwell the first loss of his career and won the vacant British Middleweight title on 18 July 2011.

Commonwealth champion

On 16 July 2010 Murray finally fought for a first professional title, the middleweight version of the Commonwealth crown. His opponent at the fight in the Bolton Arena was Australian Peter Mitrevski Jr. Murray went the full 12 round distance for the first time in his career and won on a unanimous points decision. Despite the win Murray claimed that he had felt "sluggish" throughout the fight adding that "I know I can perform much better".[10] He followed up the win on 26 November 2010 with a fight for a second title in a row at the Bolton Arena. His opponent, Brazilian Carlos Nascimento, was the co-challenger for the WBA version of the inter-continental title with Murray winning by stoppage in the third round.[11]

Murray fought against Felix Sturm on 2 December 2011 at the SAP-Arena in Mannheim, Germany for the WBA Middleweight Title. The fight went 12 rounds and ended up being scored a controversial draw.

Second world title attempt

It was confirmed going into his with fight Jorge Navarro at Manchester Arena on 24 November 2012 for the interim WBA World Middleweight Championship, that if Murray were to defeat Navarro, he would be the next in line for a shot at the WBA World Middleweight Championship currently held by Gennady Golovkin. Murray, now 25-0-1, defeated the undefeated Venezuelan by TKO and would fight for the world title against World Middleweight Champion Sergio Gabriel Martínez in Argentina on 27 April 2013.[12][13] Murray lost a close, controversial decision in a fight where he put Martinez on the canvas twice but with the referee only counting one knockdown.[14][15]

Third world title attempt

 Against some other fighter the fight that Martin Murray is fighting right now would be superb. It really would.
 But Golovkin is a fighter from another planet . . .

Al Bernstein and Mark Pougatch calling the fight from Monte Carlo.[16]

Following four solid decision victories in the aftermath of his loss to Sergio Martínez, Murray was given the opportunity to face off against the WBA and IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. Despite a spirited effort (that of which saw him fight into the 11th round, the second time in Golovkin's career he went ten rounds or more), Murray was ultimately stopped for the first time in his career after referee Luis Pabon witnessed him take several hard unanswered shots from Golovkin.

Fourth world title attempt

After three comeback wins, all of them ending early, Murray was set to challenge for a world title for the fourth time in his career, against Artur Abraham for the WBO super-middleweight title. Murray fought very well on Abraham's home turf in Germany, however, that was not enough for the judges, who scored the fight, 116-111, 115-112 and 112-115 in favor of the home fighter, awarding him the split-decision win. After the fight, a gutted Murray said he was contemplating retirement after another failed attempt to win a world title.[17]

On 25 June, 2016, Murray fought George Groves in a WBA final eliminator. Groves pressed Murray throughout most of the fight, earning him a unanimous decison win, with scores of 118-110 on all three judges' scorecards.[18]

On 23 June, 2018, Murray fought and defeated Roberto Garcia in a foul-filled fight. Murray had some success with his jab and landed more punches compared to Garcia, which was enough for all three judges to call the fight in favor of Murray.[19]

In his next fight, Murray fought against former champion Hassan N'Dam. Despite scoring a knockdown, Murray did not do enough to earn the win. N'Dam won the fight via majority decision, with only one judge scoring the fight a draw, 114-114, while the other two saw it 117-112 and 116-112 in favor of N'Dam.[20]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
46 fights 39 wins 6 losses
By knockout 17 1
By decision 22 5
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
46 Loss 39–6–1 Billy Joe Saunders UD 12 4 Dec 2020 The SSE Arena, London, England For WBO super-middleweight title
45 Win 39–5–1 Sladan Janjanin PTS 8 15 Nov 2019 Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
44 Win 38–5–1 Rui Manuel Pavanito PTS 10 12 Jul 2019 Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
43 Loss 37–5–1 Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam MD 12 22 Dec 2018 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England Lost WBC Silver middleweight title
42 Win 37–4–1 Roberto García UD 12 23 Jun 2018 The O2 Arena, London, England Won WBC Silver middleweight title
41 Win 36–4–1 Arman Torosyan KO 4 (8), 2:39 16 Sep 2017 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
40 Win 35–4–1 Gabriel Rosado MD 12 22 Apr 2017 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
39 Win 34–4–1 Nuhu Lawal UD 12 12 Nov 2016 Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco Won vacant WBA Continental (Europe) super-middleweight title
38 Loss 33–4–1 George Groves UD 12 25 Jun 2016 The O2 Arena, London, England For WBA International super-middleweight title
37 Win 33–3–1 Cedric Spera TKO 2 (8), 1:47 7 May 2016 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
36 Loss 32–3–1 Arthur Abraham SD 12 21 Nov 2015 TUI Arena, Hanover, Germany For WBO super-middleweight title
35 Win 32–2–1 Jose Miguel Torres TKO 5 (12), 2:19 5 Sep 2015 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental super-middleweight title
34 Win 31–2–1 Mirzet Bajrektarevic TKO 5 (8), 2:51 18 Jul 2015 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
33 Win 30–2–1 George Beroshvili KO 2 (8), 2:29 26 Jun 2015 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
32 Loss 29–2–1 Gennadiy Golovkin TKO 11 (12), 0:50 21 Feb 2015 Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco For WBA (Super), IBO, and WBC interim middleweight titles
31 Win 29–1–1 Domenico Spada TD 7 (12), 1:19 25 Oct 2014 Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo, Monaco Retained WBC Silver middleweight title;
Unanimous TD after Spada was cut from an accidental head clash
30 Win 28–1–1 Max Bursak UD 12 21 Jun 2014 Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco Won vacant WBC Silver middleweight title
29 Win 27–1–1 Ishmael Tetteh RTD 6 (10), 3:00 23 Apr 2014 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
28 Win 26–1–1 Sergey Khomitsky PTS 8 14 Dec 2013 ExCeL, London, England
27 Loss 25–1–1 Sergio Martínez UD 12 27 Apr 2013 José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina For WBC and The Ring middleweight titles
26 Win 25–0–1 Jorge Navarro TKO 6 (12), 1:40 24 Nov 2012 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England Won Interim WBA middleweight title
25 Win 24–0–1 Karim Achour PTS 10 16 Jun 2012 Manchester Velodrome, Manchester, England
24 Draw 23–0–1 Felix Sturm SD 12 2 Dec 2011 SAP Arena, Mannheim, Germany For WBA (Super) middleweight title
23 Win 23–0 Nick Blackwell RTD 5 (12), 3:00 18 Jun 2011 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England Retained Commonwealth and WBA Inter-Continental middleweight titles;
Won vacant British middleweight title
22 Win 22–0 John Anderson Carvalho TKO 4 (12), 2:20 16 Apr 2011 MEN Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
21 Win 21–0 Carlos Nascimento TKO 3 (12), 1:40 26 Nov 2010 Reebok Stadium, Bolton, England Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental middleweight title
20 Win 20–0 Peter Mitrevski Jr. UD 12 16 Jul 2010 Bolton Arena, Bolton, England Won vacant Commonwealth middleweight title
19 Win 19–0 Lee Noble RTD 3 (8), 3:00 21 May 2010 Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England
18 Win 18–0 Shalva Jomardashvili PTS 6 19 Feb 2010 Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent, England
17 Win 17–0 Sergey Khomitsky PTS 8 27 Nov 2009 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
16 Win 16–0 George Aduashvili KO 1 (6), 3:02 25 Sep 2009 Manchester Velodrome, Manchester, England
15 Win 15–0 Thomas Awinbono PTS 8 25 Jul 2009 Sutton Sports Centre, St Helens, England
14 Win 14–0 Kevin Concepcion TKO 3 (6), 0:01 17 Apr 2009 Indoor Sports Centre, Leigh, England
13 Win 13–0 Mikheil Khutsishvili TKO 4 (6), 1:13 6 Mar 2009 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
12 Win 12–0 Cello Renda SD 3 22 Nov 2008 York Hall, London, England Prizefighter 4: middleweight final
11 Win 11–0 Danny Butler SD 3 22 Nov 2008 York Hall, London, England Prizefighter 4: middleweight semi-final
10 Win 10–0 Joe Rea UD 3 22 Nov 2008 York Hall, London, England Prizefighter 4: middleweight quarter-final
9 Win 9–0 Joseph Sovijus KO 1 (6), 1:03 12 Oct 2008 Indoor Sports Centre, Leigh, England
8 Win 8–0 Carl Wild TKO 2 (6), 1:25 14 Sep 2008 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
7 Win 7–0 Michael Recloux PTS 6 15 Jun 2008 Sutton Leisure Centre, St Helens, England
6 Win 6–0 Dean Walker PTS 6 23 May 2008 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
5 Win 5–0 James Tucker PTS 4 18 Apr 2008 York Hall, London, England
4 Win 4–0 Michael Banbula PTS 6 16 Mar 2008 Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
3 Win 3–0 Dean Walker PTS 6 16 Feb 2008 Tower Circus, Blackpool, England
2 Win 2–0 Phil Callaghan TKO 1 (4), 1:21 26 Oct 2007 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England
1 Win 1–0 Jamie Ambler PTS 6 22 Sep 2007 Robin Park Arena, Wigan, England

References

  1. Last Updated: 08/06/15 3:34pm. "Martin Murray relishing life at super-middleweight after signing with Matchroom Boxing | Boxing News". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  2. "BoxRec - Martin Murray". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  3. "britishboxing.net". Britishboxing.net. Archived from the original on 12 January 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  4. "Murray's not in any hurry!". Liverpoolecho. 24 April 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  5. "Murray puts his title credentials on the line". Liverpoolecho. 26 July 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  6. "Up and coming middleweight Martin Murray keen to face Wayne Elcock". Liverpoolecho. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  7. "Unbeaten Murray given a scare by the ghost". Liverpoolecho. 30 November 2009. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  8. "Georgian champion a threat to Murray". Liverpoolecho. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  9. "MARTIN MURRAY keeps on track for vacant Commonwealth title shot". Liverpoolecho. 23 May 2010. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  10. "Sport: Latest Football, Boxing, Rugby League and Cricket News". Liverpooldailypost.co.uk. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  11. https://web.archive.org/web/20110708090202/http://news.boxrec.com/news/2010/easy-nights-work-hatton-murray-quigg-march. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2010. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. https://web.archive.org/web/20121117062755/http://ringsidereport.com/?p=24824. Archived from the original on 17 November 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  13. https://web.archive.org/web/20121207190233/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2012/11/sergio-martinez-v-martin-murray-set-for.html. Archived from the original on 7 December 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2012. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  14. Kory Kitchen (28 April 2013). "Martinez vs. Murray results: Martinez gets off the canvas to decision Murray". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  15. "Martin Murray beaten by Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires". BBC Sport. 28 April 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  16. "Gennady Golovkin vs. Martin Murray". Boxing World Weekly. 15 June 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  17. "Martin Murray Gutted, Felt Confident He'd Get Decision". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  18. "George Groves Powers Past Martin Murray For Decision Win". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  19. "Martin Murray Beats Garcia By Decision in Foul-Filled Fight". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  20. "Hassan N'Dam Overcomes Knockdown, Beats Martin Murray". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Darren Barker
Commonwealth
middleweight champion

16 July 2010 – December 2011
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Billy Joe Saunders
Vacant
Title last held by
Avtandil Khurtsidze
WBA Inter-Continental
middleweight champion

26 November 2010 – 2 December 2011
Lost bid for world title
Vacant
Title next held by
Patrick Nielsen
Vacant
Title last held by
Darren Barker
British middleweight champion
18 June 2011 – October 2012
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Billy Joe Saunders
Vacant
Title last held by
Patrick Nielsen
WBC Silver middleweight champion
21 June 2014 – January 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Tureano Johnson
Vacant
Title last held by
Rocky Fielding
WBA Inter-Continental
super-middleweight champion

5 September 2015 – November 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Jürgen Doberstein
Vacant
Title last held by
Dilmurod Satybaldiev
WBA Continental (Europe)
super-middleweight champion

12 November 2016 – April 2017
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Jamie Cox
Vacant
Title last held by
Nuhu Lawal
WBA Inter-Continental
middleweight champion

22 April 2017 – May 2018
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Khuseyn Baysangurov
Preceded by
Roberto García
WBC Silver middleweight champion
23 June 2018 – 22 December 2018
Succeeded by
Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam
WBA middleweight champion
Interim title

24 November 2012 – 7 March 2014
Stripped
Vacant
Title next held by
Dmitry Chudinov
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.