ONE of the biggest ever events in St Helens’ sporting history will unfold this weekend when boxer Martin Murray steps on to the world stage for a mega-fight in Argentina.

A small barmy army of 40 or so of his loyal followers will be among the 50,000 crowd in what is expected to be a cauldron-like atmosphere at Estadio Jose Amalfitani stadium in Buenos Aires.

But there will be thousands back home roaring at television sets in homes and pubs during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Undefeated Martin, 30 from Fingerpost, is a huge underdog with bookmakers and the middleweight world championship fight represents a homecoming bout for champion Sergio Martinez.

The South American sporting superstar is said to be held in even higher regard than fellow countryman Lionel Messi, the world’s greatest footballer.

The scale of the event is underlined by the estimated numbers. Up to 18 million are expected to tune in in Argentina while American channel HBO’s decision to broadcast the fight means it will be beamed into many more homes.

For father-of-three Martin, the Pride of St Helens Sportsperson of the year for 2012, it will be a case of presenting himself and St Helens to the world.

A link with St Helens rugby league club, means he is wearing kit featuring his and the club’s logos.

It is expected the former St Helens Town ABC junior, will walk to the ring accompanied by flags bearing Saints colours, rather than the Union flag.

He said: “The support once again has been unbelievable. When it was first announced I didn’t expect anything quite like that – I thought it would just be family and friends.

“I’ve been very lucky to have the support and want to make the journey worthwhile for them as well as myself.

“St Helens has backed me from day one and I’m going there representing the town and want to do it proud.”

Lee Atherton, 41, a close friend of Martin’s, set out with ‘Team Murray’ last week, to help with preparations.
He told the Star: “It has been an amazing experience already.
“There are more than 40 fans coming over. We have been asked not to display Union flags but I have two Saints ones and some fans have bought Murray shirts that are on sale at the Saints.
“It’s a very happy camp and Martin is super cool.”

‘Team Murray’ will be complete when wife Gemma, 28 (inset) arrives in Argentina today (Thursday).

Martin credits meeting her and having children together as giving him the responsibility and focus to break away from the trouble that affected his career as a younger fighter.

Speaking this week, she said: “I see all the hard work and the training he does.

“When he got his first (professional) fight I was just happy for him because I knew it’s what he wanted to do. We used to watch Fight Night in bed on a Saturday night and he’d say he would love to go on it.”

Outside of the ring, he is a doting dad to Amelia, aged two, Archie, aged four and newborn daughter Aisla.

Gemma added: “He trains a lot but fits it around picking the kids up from school. We always have our tea together then he’s off running again.

“He just loves being in his pyjamas and slippers, chilling, watching television and playing with the kids.

“Martin is just daft with them, always winding them up and playing silly games.

“He’s one of the nicest people you could meet.

“He adored his amateur coach John Chisnall and he always goes to his grave before a fight.”

She has asked family and friends to write in a scrap book to give him after the contest: “He’s strong and we really hope he does it. If he doesn’t, it won’t make any difference to us.”

The fight is being screened in the UK on pay per view by BoxNation.