Sturm set to face Martin Murray

[Wheelchair]

Germany’s Felix Sturm will defend his WBA middleweight title against unbeaten Englishman Martin Murray at the SAP Arena, Mannheim, December 2.

 

WBA intercontinental holder Murray, from St Helens, Merseyside, is also British and Commonwealth champion, boasting an impressive record of 23 straight wins, including 10 knockouts.

 

“I am absolutely buzzing and have so much motivation to go over there and beat Sturm," said 28-year-old Murray, managed by Hatton Promotions. "I first knew about the fight in early September, but we couldn’t say anything until the contract was signed.

 

“I have been ready for this chance for about nine months, but I seemed to slip under the radar because everybody talks about Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker as the main middleweights in Britain.”

 

Sturm (36-2-1, 15 KOs), who will be making an 11th title defense, was a controversial points winner over Macklin back in June when most reckoned a home advantage earned the 32-year-old from Cologne the split decision. Murray, though, is unconcerned.

 

“I watched Sturm’s defense against Macklin and made it a draw," he said. "When it is that close, the champion on home soil usually gets the decision and there could be no real complaints.

 

"The WBA are a fantastic organisation and have been very good to me, so I will not be worrying about the scoring. Anyway, I am a better fighter than Macklin and I will go one better than him in December.”

 

Murray's last outing also came in June when he forced 20-year-old countryman Nick Blackwell (8-1, 2 KOs) to quit on his stool after five rounds.

 

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/169240-sturm-to-meet-unbeaten-murray

[londoner]

This is just ridiculous. There have been far worse World title fight contenders throughout history and especially in the current scene. But Martin Murray getting a title shot against Felix Sturm? That's just mad. These champions have to stop fighting these lower level contenders and start fighting some real challenges.