FINGERPOST fighter Martin Murray is looking to make a statement on Saturday night against Hassan N’Dam where a good win will propel him into the mix for another world title tilt.

After a tough climb back from the George Groves defeat in 2016, Murray’s training camp has gone well and he feels confident he can handle what the Cameroonian former world champion can throw at him.

It is a crossroads fight for Murray who admits that he is “one defeat away from retirement.”

The 35-year-old, who is ranked number two with the WBC, says the bout at the Manchester Arena has plenty riding on it.

He said: “I have had an amazing camp, training, sparring and diet - so I am buzzing now and can’t wait for Saturday.

“After the year that I have had, I needed this fight; a meaningful one against a good opponent.

“That is what facing N’Dam does.

“He’s a top fighter; experienced, tough, game and dangerous. I know I have got to be on top of my game ­— and I am.”

By winning the WBC Silver Middleweight title against Roberto Garcia, Murray propelled himself into number two in those rankings.

And Saturday night’s fight is classed as an eliminator of sorts as he seeks a fifth world title challenge in pursuit of the elusive belt.

The N’Dam fight, on a big televised bill, represents a huge opportunity to continue his climb back ­— and defeat is not an option.

He said: “Last year I was told I’d be fighting Billy Joe Saunders in the New Year and when that was announced I was buzzing ­— but we all know what happened with that.

“There is nothing down as officially happening if I come through, but I do know that if I come through in style it does set me up for a big 2019.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to make a statement.

“Since I lost to George Groves in 2016 I have beaten Gabriel Rosado and Roberto Garcia, good wins but not big fights.

“Saturday is my biggest fight in two-and-a-half years.

“It has been a long, slow rebuilding process for me and has taken two-and-a-half years.

“I know I am not done as a fighter, especially with the way I have been training in the gym.

“One more defeat and I could not go through that again.

“I am one loss away from retirement - and I don’t want to retire.”

Murray has been unlucky not to have been crowned world champion, controversially drawing with Felix Sturm in Germany to be denied in his first tilt, giving Sergio Martinez a run for his money in Buenos Aires and losing a split decision at super middleweight in Arthur Abraham’s backyard.

He even went 11 rounds with the then invincible Gennady Golovkin, and is convinced he has a fifth crack in him to fulfil that burning desire.

He is using his experience ahead of the fight to listen to his body and “train a lot smarter” and expects that to deliver the goods against a fighter that will test him.

“I am an experienced campaigner know I can do 12 rounds. I know it in my guts when the going gets tough I’ll stand up, not turn away. I am confident in my own ability and own body.

“N’Dam goes down a lot but he always gets back up. He has that fighting spirit and never knows when he is beaten. I am expecting him to be at his best and for it to go 12 rounds, but that is what I have trained for and I am in good condition.

“I am planning on rewinding back the years, going there to make a statement by winning and looking good against a good fighter like this.

“A good performance will give me credibility and set me up for 2019,” he said.