Murray hopeful of tasty autumn bout (From St Helens Star)

Murray hopeful of tasty autumn bout

1:52pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Boxing By Mike Critchley

ST HELENS boxer Martin Murray is still waiting to hear what is next in the pipeline following his 24th professional win last month in Manchester.

But the 29-year-old, who added French champion Karim Anchour to his long list of victims, expects to hear some good news shortly.

He was speaking after a frustrating start to the year, which saw him go six months without a fight.

Murray’s ten round points win over Anchour in June was his first fight since drawing with World champion Felix Sturm in Germany back in December.

Murray said: “It was too long a break but during that time I had prepared for two fights which never materialised.

“First there was the rematch with Sturm, and then the fight in with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in America that fell through because of my Visa issues.

“It was disappointing at the time, but I never let that affect my training and I got myself in the best condition I have ever been.”

Murray’s eventual return saw him ease past the French champion without ever being pushed.

“I knew I was a class above him and in a way that was a problem. I like to get butterflies before a fight – that comes from being nervous about your opponent. I didn’t get that this time around.

“I simply boxed to the orders from the corner and in some ways it was a useful exercise in dealing with different scenarios, like fighting off the ropes,” said the British champion.

With all the world champions currently all tied up, there are no big title fights on the horizon – but he is hopeful of something tasty to get stuck into later in the year.

As for the two other top British fighters he has given up Birmingham’s Matthew Macklin ever matching his often quite dismissive words with action.

However, he believes there is a good chance Darren Barker will eventually get in the ring with him.

The two have exchanged such a view on Twitter, and Murray admitted a meeting “was a good possibility”.

Meanwhile Murray has thanked his growing army of fans for their support at Manchester – which included former Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe.

“It is tremendous to see so many people backing me – and it just keeps getting better.”

He was also keen to stress the importance of his sponsors ODs, Cara Brickwork, ICS Marks of Distinction and Gavin’s Butchers and Premier Sun in supporting Team Murray.