By Michael Muncaster: Martin Murray could become a real contender in the super-middleweight division on Saturday night, and WBO champion Arthur Abraham is surely in his sights.
The St Helens fighter (31-2-1-KO14) takes on Jose Miguel Torres (31-6-KO27) at the Leeds Arena.
Murray knows by becoming only the second fighter to stop the Colombian, it could launch him into world title contention.
Most boxing fans and pundits are tipping Murray to comfortably beat Torres, who has only been stopped once by big-punching David Lemieux.
Torres’ record suggests he struggles against top level opposition but still poses a threat as a heavy hitter.
Despite his record Torres is certainly a step up in class for Murray, who stopped George Beroshvili and Mirzet Bajrektarevic in his last two fights since moving up in weight.
Victory could pave the way for some exciting world title fights for Murray, and set up an enticing fight with long-reigning champion Abraham.
Murray’s promoter Eddie Hearn is unlikely to stage a fight with IBF holder James Degale, especially with a potential rematch with rival George Groves on the horizon if he beats Badou Jack for the WBC belt.
WBA champion Fedor Chudinov faces Frank Buglioni later this month, but neither have the name value to headline a show with Murray in the UK.
And other 10 top contenders such as Gilberto Ramirez, Andre and Anthony Dirrell and rising star Callum Smith pose too big a threat for such a little reward.
So Murray must have his eyes set on a fight with Abraham if he overcomes Torres on Saturday night.
The bout would almost certainly take place in Germany, where Abraham recently defeated Brit Paul Smith twice.
But we know fighting away from home doesn’t faze Murray, who has fought abroad four times in his last six bouts.
The St Helens man also has a score to settle in Germany following his controversial split draw decision against Felix Sturm in 2011.
Abraham is himself running out of top levels contenders in the division, despite rumours of a farewell bout with legend Bernard Hopkins.
So with Murray on the cusp of another world title fight and Abraham looking to continue his reign at the top of the super-middleweight division, all roads must surely lead to a showdown between the pair next year.
Comments are closed.