By Daven: It really was a strange 2013 for two time world middleweight challenger Martin Murray (26-1-1, 11 KO’s). The year started as promising as he could have hoped for. Taking Sergio Martinez to the scorecards in the most hostile of territories is no easy feat; Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker can testify to that and they fought him in USA. Moreover Murray knocked down Sergio three times yet the judges scorecards seemed to ignore this sensational accomplishment, nonetheless Murray’s performance was probably the finest of all British boxers in 2013 when faced with foreign opposition.
One would assume Hatton promotions would have struck whilst the iron was hot following the Argentine affair but this did not occur. For whatever reason several crucial fights fell through. A fight with Garth Wood was made official only for the fight to be scrapped through no fault of Murray’s. Furthermore Murray was rumored to face the likes of WBA middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin for a world title as well as being touted as a challenger for Barker’s title. Felix Sturm ended that dream fight for the British fans and Murray got lumbered with a journeyman at the fall of 2013 in what proved to be a dull affair. Martin said as much after the fight; he pointed out that he found it impossible to motivate himself for a fight he knew he would win by staying in third gear. Let’s not forget he had already beaten Sergey Khomitsky years before so he arguably felt alienated that his career had gone back to square one.
Then came the announcement that Murray would be fighting for a world title. Naturally Murray vs Golovkin was rumored but instead it was proclaimed that he’d be fighting Jarrod Fletcher for the regular WBA middleweight belt. Although this fight would have lacked the competitive edge of a world title fight it would have led to bigger things for Murray. However the fight did not materialize as GGG was demoted from super champion to regular thus extinguishing Murray’s aspirations once more.
Martin’s torrid relationship with senior management at Hatton promotions caused his release two weeks ago and now he’s a free agent. Martin maintains that he is desperate to fight for a world title once more and the only promoter that he should sign for is Eddie Hearn. Look at Hearn’s track record with Darren Barker and tell me you’re not impressed. Barker’s career looked to be in tatters after his devastating defeat to Martinez but with Eddie’s stewardship Barker went on to win a formerly elusive world title against an uncompromising opponent. Barker’s subsequent demise has resulted in Hearn needing a top class middleweight in his stable and Ryder although a decent prospect will never be a contender at world level. With Macklin, Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders signed with other promotions one would assume Murray’s destiny lies with Matchroom where he can fight three times a year on Sky and where he can get a rematch with Sturm before the year’s out. Barker had a rematch clause with Sturm but I’m sure Sturm would honour the agreement to Matchroom by taking on Murray. The fight would have to happen in Germany though owing to the simple fact Sturm is the bigger draw it would make speed up the negotiating process. At this point Murray would just be grateful to get another shot regardless of the location.
In an interview with St Helens star Murray said he has no formal agreement as yet but his future will be decided soon. All in all if a world title shot is what he sincerely desires only Hearn can deliver plus the platform Sky offers is all the more reason for the pride of St Helens to sign up.
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