THERE has been a huge outpouring of support and good wishes for St Helens boxer Martin Murray – who intimated that his time in the ring may be up after a fifth world title defeat.
Murray lost to WBO Super-Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders on a unanimous decision on Friday night and immediately afterwards "that's it" as he inevitably contemplates his future.
Murray was asked if this defeat marked the end and his response was: "I never say never, but I just want to spend time with my family now.
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
"I think that is it...I tried.
"I did get beat off a better man but what I am trying to say is that it is taking a lot of wear and tear out of my body.
"Never say never, but I am ready for a good rest now."
Social media was awash with comments after the fight, with many commending Murray’s lionhearted bravery and a dogged willingness to keep going in a career riddled with bad calls and set-backs.
Martin Murray connects. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
On the Star’s Facebook page Shaun Hughes wrote: “Good honest professional, I've thoroughly enjoyed your career, well done Martin good luck wherever life takes you, I'm sure you have a lot to give back to the sport in some capacity.”
Those sentiments were endorsed by Lee Talbot, who recalled: “Should have got the decision against Sturm that was quite clearly Martin’s victory that night.
“He’s one of our own and we should all be proud of his efforts all these years he’s a great lad.”
Ruben Aguilar added: “Should have been a champion against Strum and Martinez. Boxing politics never allow him to be a champion. One of the toughest men to step inside the ring.”
John Burke offered his advice: “Time to hang up the gloves on a good career be proud in what you have accomplished Martin.”
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Kev Moss expressed a view echoed by many in the town when he wrote: “No one can take away that he's one tough man. In every big fight he has gone the distance and has made St Helens proud.”
Col Pownall added: “Head held high with respect, should be proud of his achievements.” While Janet Confrey stated: “Still the winner in our eyes!
Ste Man echoed the comments of the title fights that got away.
“True warrior of a boxer, should have won two of his title fights. St Helens legend,” he wrote.
Joanne Woods was still very proud of our local hero.
“You’re still our Fingerpost champ - there's only one Martin Murray!”
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
On social media former world champion Carl Frampton MBE tweeted: “Gutted for Martin Murray last night.
“Like I said before one of the hardest men in the game and should have had his had raised in definitely two, maybe three world title fights. You should be proud of a brilliant career champ.”
Peter Fury simply added: “What lovely man Martin Murray is.”
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Chris Lloyd Tweeted: “Many congratulations to Martin Murray on a brilliant career. A legend of a bloke, a fighters fighter and the fans know what you won and when you won it."
Gaz Bond posted: “Great career Martin Murray, 100% won at least two of those world title fights, the 1st one I drove a 1600 mile trip across 4 countries to see! Heart of gold and made of iron! Chizzy and Oliver would both be proud.... well in lad, enjoy your time away from the ring.”
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Gary Fitz added: “Proud to call #MartinMurray a friend. Given so many people so much pleasure over the years and following him round the world has been an absolute joy. Love him to bits. Rest up, champ. Let’s see what the New Year brings #worldchampion #legend #prideoftheNorth.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here