Q&A with Martin Murray

Behind The Gloves’ Allan McGoldrick talk exclusively to two-time world title contender and current WBA interim middleweight champion Martin Murray. Murray discusses with BTG his future hopes among other things.

AM
Martin, easy one to start with. What have you individually learned from 2013? And what are Team Murray and Hatton Promotions hopes for 2014?

MM
My hopes for 2014 is to finally become world champion.I learned from 2013 just how frustrating boxing can be. After coming off the best performance of my career against the best recognized middleweight fighter on the planet, I thought that I’d be busy all year and in some big fights, but instead I end up fighting just once against a fighter I beat four years ago.

AM
Your last fight Dec. 14th, 2013 beating a familiar opponent Sergey Khomitsky who you fought and beat as you said in 2009. Your thoughts on your performance? Was the eight month gap necessary since the Martinez fight April 2013?

MM
The eight month gap wasn’t necessary at all and I didn’t want it. My performance that night was very flat and if I’m honest I shouldn’t have fought because I had a virus. I’ve got three kids and a family to support though and I knew that no matter what I’d win, so I took the fight because I needed the money.

AM
You fought twice in 2012 (Achour and Navarro) and twice in 2013 (Martinez and Khomitsky). A lot of your fights have been on British soil apart from the World Title fights (Sturm and Martinez) would you take to the road just to be busier? Or is it about world titles now?

MM
I wouldn’t take to the road just for fights because I’ve learned both times just how hard it is to get a decision on foreign soil. If it was for a world title or the fight made sense then I’d go anywhere and fight anyone.

AM
Martin after the WBA did not grant Golovkin “super champion” which would have meant you fighting for a third attempt at a world title again on Feb. 1 2014 did this effect your approach to the Fletcher fight as this would then have been a defense? And what was the official take did you have to pull out later because of injury? For the Fletcher fight?

MM
It was unfortunate that it wasn’t for a world title on Feb. 1st but it was also unfortunate that I injured my hand and had to pull out. I wanted to train through it and still fight but I was advised by Mike Hayton who’s a very well respected hand surgeon, that if I did train and fight with my hand the way it was, then I was potentially putting my career at risk.

AM
Martin, you’re currently ranked number 1 behind GGG as the best middleweight by the WBA and number six by the IBF. Is Martin Murray a dangerous opponent for the belt holders? Is it tough finding the right fights or keeping busy?

MM
I’m dangerous for any fighter out there. Regarding finding it tough to find me keep busy fights, if I had a good matchmaker then it wouldn’t be a problem but it’s obvious by my inactivity that I never had one.

AM
Sturm is now IBF champ. Geale is ranked number three and you are six. Is there potential to clash again with Sturm and could Geale be an option in future?…

MM
There is potential to fight Sturm and Geale is also an option. We’re all elite fighters fighting at the elite level so we should all be on each others radar.

AM
You’ve fought two of the four belt holders in IBF champ Sturm (SD), WBC champ Martinez (UD) and both have been controversial! Thoughts on the other two belt holders WBA champ Golovkin and WBO champ Quillin?

MM
Both good fighters and both tough fights. They all are at this level though.

AM
On the UK Middleweight scene hopes for UK super fights with Darren Barker, Andy Lee and Matthew Macklin were major talking points in 2013 how has the dynamics changed now with the unfortunate retirement of Barker?

MM
Never heard anything from them so I’m going my own route. Open to all offers though.

AM
It’s obvious you’ve worked very hard to cement your position in the world middleweight rankings, how long do you hope to box? And any thoughts on different weight levels ?

MM
Not put a number on when I’ll retire but I’ll know myself when the times right. If the right offer come in at light middle or super middle, I would consider it.

AM
Finally, you have a huge fan base do you have any messages for your fans?

MM
Just a massive thank you for your continued support.I’ve not even hit my prime yet so there’s plenty of good times on the way and a world title as well so the rides only just begun.

AM
What website address Twitter or Facebook social media can fans access and connect with Team Murray?..

MM
Twitter – @MartinMurrayBox
Team Murray Website – www.martinmurrayboxing.co.uk

AM
Martin once again thanks for your time and we look forward to another exciting year in the middleweight division and best wishes to all the team.

-Allan McGoldrick / @shottsabc
-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com