MARTIN Murray and George Groves revealed a mutual respect for each other when they came face-to-face to promote their June 25 showdown.

The pair will battle it out in the WBA world title eliminator – with the door opening one for one of those fighters, while probably slamming shut on the loser.

At 33, Fingerpost's finest, realises that his chances of getting another crack at the world belt hinge on winning at London's O2.

Murray said: "I wanted this fight and I pushed Eddie Hearn for it.

"I have always wanted a top fight against domestic fighters and that is what I have got in George Groves.

"I have said all along that I rate him, he’s a good fighter. It’s a tough, genuine 50/50 fight."

Groves told Tuesday's press conference that he liked Murray and respected his intelligence and the way he speaks - before declaring it would not go 12 rounds.

Murray reciprocated, saying: "He’s a good lad, but when it comes to fight night it’s a completely different thing.

"It's great seeing George so confident but I am confident too that going to make a great fight.

"I think work rate is the key. George is saying he wants to take me out, that’s what we all want to do.

"He is dangerous early on but has stamina issues, he fades late. Earlier the fight is favours Groves – the later is favours me.

"Without a shadow of a doubt it’s a must win.

"You build yourself up in world title fights and fall short and it does get to you.

"There's only so many times you can do it."

The fight is the main support to Anthony Joshua's title defence in London - and tickets sold out within 30 minutes of going on sale.

But this is a bout that could have topped the bill in its own right, and as the month creeps on us the scale of how big a fight this is for both men will become more intense.

Having had to go on the road to Germany, Monaco and Argentina for all his big title challenges, this is also the first time Murray will have tasted the atmosphere of a huge domestic crowd.

And he takes on an opponent well known from his tussles - in and out of the ring - with former champion Carl Froch.

Groves believes he has the plan to see off the St Helens favourite, but expressed his respect for the four-time world title challenger.

He said: “I have to admit I like Martin Murray. I have had a few domestic fights and rivals and have not much liked the guys, but Martin speaks well. He is an intelligent chap and fights like an intelligent fighter. He can navigate around the ring and this won’t be an easy fight.

"He has moved up to super middleweight and I don’t think he’s been tested properly.

"This will be his hardest fight. What Murray does well, I know how to negate. I cant see him having any answers, we are feeling really good in the gym.

"We have both fallen short at world level, with a bit of misfortune at times.

This is a fight everyone can get excited about – I'm excited about it.

"I'm looking to take Martin out – I don't want to go 12 rounds. I feel strong, bigger and want to become a world champion. This is the first step in that direction."