ST Helens super middleweight Martin Murray has put the bitter disappointment of failing to bring home a world title behind him, but reckons he has learned plenty of lessons from that encounter.

The 33-year-old Fingerpost fighter lost on a split decision against Arthur Abraham in November, and was left with a lot of soul-searching about what he had to do to win at world title.

But after a new year's break away with his family, Murray has returned the gym refreshed and ready to tackle 2016.

He is determined that the Abraham defeat, which follows two losses and a draw in his previous challenges for a world belt at the middleweight division, will not eat away at him.

But he explained why he was so upset, immediately after the verdict had been announced.

Murray said: "It was not the result I wanted, even tough I thought I won the fight that was the gamble I took going over to Germany.

"I have been there before with Felix Sturm, but this timeI lost on a split decision. There is nothing you can do but you can't let anything in this game get you down.

"I was obviously upset and a bit gutted immediately after the fight.

"But at the end of the day I have got my family and a great set of friends, and we are all good, so I am in a really good place.

"I am only just getting into my prime and have got a long way to go in my boxing career - I will get there in the end, I have just got to stick at it and be positive."

In that fight most of the better work in the opening two minutes of each round came from the St Helens man, although the German-based champ rallied in bursts which Murray tried to neutralise by holding on.

That was viewed negatively by the crowd and was milked by the wily champion. That tactic may have influenced the judges ringside.

Murray added: "I just had it in my head that I was just going to win and was going to get a fair shout, even though I was in Germany.

"I just really thought it was my time. Everybody who watched it live without the commentary of Jim Watt, who was as negative as they come, thought I had won. None of them thought I had lost.

"The better work came from me, I completely outworked him, when he came forward it was part of our tactics to tie him up. It worked for us in the way it neutralised him, but there was a reaction ringside for that.

"I thought I outclassed him and outfoxed him and you saw that in the frustration in his face. I thought I was winning - even with a point off. I thought I done it so easy.

"I thought I was in control throughout, so that is why is was so tough to take."

The experience did give something to think about - getting used to his new weight and it was the first time Murray has got into a ring against a much bigger opponent.

"The biggest thing I learned from the fight was my weight - and I would do that completely different next time if I am staying at super middleweight," Murray said.

"I was 12 stone all week, yet Abraham rolled up and he was 12st 10, if not getting on to 13.

"After the fight I was probably down to middleweight I looked so gaunt and thin.

"The way I look at it, I have gone in there and given nearly a stone away against a world class champ who has fought everybody and still outbox him, rock him and take his power shots.

"His experience just got him through."

He expects his next fight will be announced shortly - with a 12-rounder against former Liverpool's former world title challenger Paul Smith on the cards.

He knows the next two years are important for his career in the ring, but is not looking at the finishing line just yet.

He said: "I have only been professional for eight years - I have achieved plenty in those eight years, and been in four world title fights. Some never get one.

"I have not been in many wars because I am an intelligent boxer, and as a result I am saving years on my career. I know I have long way to go if things work out right.

"If they don't then it will be short."

Away from the ring, Murray is putting plans into place for a career after he hangs up his gloves and has just bought premises on the Rainford Business Park with a view to building a gym.

"It has so much potential. I have had a meeting with the architect but it's a massive place and needs a lot of work doing to it.

"It is something that we want to do. It is not just business, it will be good for the town, promoting healthy living and helping naughty kids.

"We just need to design it right. We are not sure yet whether boxing gym for fitness or producing fighters."

While he was away on holiday, Murray reflected that nine years ago he was in prison.

That spell in jail cost him a number of opportunities to fight in America and stalled his career. It is not an aspect of his past life he wants to brush under the carpet, but believes he can pass on his experiences to help others get back on the straight and narrow.

Murray said: "I am working with the council, talking to kids, going into prisons, speaking with young offenders.

"I am going to get it all going. This year, as well as focusing properly on my career, I an really going to set things in place for my career after boxing.

"I brushed my prison past under the carpet when I first turned pro, because every interview I was doing was about prison.

"I have already been doing stuff that I don’t want to make public, I'd rather just do it bit by bit.

"I'm going to get started writing my book this year. Although I still have a couple of chapters to write, I do believe I have a story to tell.

I have a lot to look forward to and everything is positive if things work out."