Martin Murray on George Groves: ‘I will not be beaten’

Jun

Photo: Naoki Fukuda

On paper, George Groves versus Martin Murray looks to be a terrific super middleweight attraction. Both fighters have been operating at world level for several years; both have fan-friendly styles and both are super motivated to settle their differences amid a seething soccer-style atmosphere at the O2 Arena in London, England, on Saturday.

Another thing the British duo has in common is, despite gallant efforts, they’ve both failed to land the big one. In seven world title bouts, their combined record is 0-6-1 but, while Groves and Murray have fallen short, those heartbreaking setbacks have only bolstered their hunger to reach the top.

In his most recent world title attempt, last November, Murray ventured to Germany to take on then-WBO super middleweight titleholder Arthur Abraham. Habitually game and extremely competitive, the talented Englishman came out on the wrong end of a split decision and was bitterly disappointed.

“I thought I produced the cleaner work over 12 rounds but I knew I was up against it in Germany,” said Murray with a sigh. “To be honest, I thought the judge who had it 115-112 for me (Jerry Jakubco) had it spot on because that’s how I scored it, when I watched it back.

“In hindsight, I played it a little too close over there. I left it all in the ring (in prior world title bouts) against Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin but with Abraham I definitely didn’t. I didn’t think I needed to but maybe some of the tactics, like grabbing him up close, worked against us.”

There is no room for error on Saturday. Groves-Murray is the epitome of a crossroads contest and the loser is almost completely out of options. Despite the added pressure, Murray is delighted to be facing a top-caliber domestic rival and insists the occasion will bring out the best in him.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved in a huge domestic showdown and the arena will be packed for this one,” said the teak-tough 33-year-old. “I remember in 2008 when (then-RING cruiserweight champion) David Haye fought Enzo Maccarinelli. I was at the O2 Arena with my mates and I was saying to myself, ‘this is going to be me one day.’

“I’m made up that we’re here because a victory in this fight takes me to another level, in terms of my profile, and confirms me as one of the biggest names in British boxing. It’s a dangerous fight but this is the type of event that I want to be part of.”

Groves (l) and Murray. Photo: Lawrence Lustig

According to oddsmakers, Murray is up against it. Groves has been installed as the slight favorite to prevail, which may be down to what is perceived to be a size and strength advantage. Murray, who only moved up to 168 pounds last year, is paying no attention to the odds and is of the strong opinion that his opponent is on the descent.

“Groves looks like he’s lacking mental strength,” offered Murray following some deliberation. “He still has a good jab and good power but he fights scared, like he has no confidence in his ability to take a shot. Physically I think he’s the same as he ever was but not mentally.

“I’m not concerned about his size because I’ll bet Abraham was almost 190 pounds by the time he got in the ring. George is definitely the bigger man, although he’s looked a bit flabby recently. I don’t know how he goes about making weight but I’ve heard from a good source that he struggles to make super middle.”

So, reading between the lines, Murray feels Groves is on borrowed time. Ultimately however, this confrontation will be decided with fists and the St. Helens man is convinced he will exert tactical superiority throughout.

“My punch variety and versatility will give Groves real problems,” said Murray in earnest. “I can come forward or I can fight off the back foot and I judge distance very well. Groves will struggle because he’s never been in the ring with anyone as versatile as me.

“He fought an elite fighter in Carl Froch; there’s no denying that but that’s the only elite operator he’s been in with. (IBF beltholder) James DeGale is elite now but he wasn’t when they fought and (WBC titlist) Badou Jack isn’t an elite fighter either. Groves has had a couple of decent wins but he’ll be meeting an elite fighter on Saturday and he’s in for a surprise.”

Groves-Murray is a final eliminator for the WBA super middleweight title but the future remains uncertain. Felix Sturm controversially defeated Fedor Chudinov for that belt in February but then tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

Murray said, “I don’t know what’s going on with that but I would love the Sturm fight. I fought him five years ago, when I’d just won the British title and came away from Germany with a draw. I’m a much better fighter now and would gladly go over there again, or maybe we could get him over here.

“With everything that’s happened, traveling here, there and everywhere for a world title fight, it would be great to get a chance in England. Langtree Park (St. Helens rugby ground) in September has been discussed and that is a massive motivator for me coming into this fight.”

Reports are swirling that Sturm is indeed due to be stripped and Chudinov will be queuing for a deserved crack at his old title. The winner of Groves-Murray versus Chudinov? Murray is game but insists his full attention remains on the job at hand.

“Even though I’ve said there are chinks in his armor, George Groves is still a very good fighter and I’m giving him full respect,” he said candidly. “I think the styles will gel and I’m expecting a tough fight but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised at the end. I don’t care what that involves – I will not be beaten.”

Groves versus Murray is the chief support to Anthony Joshua’s IBF heavyweight title defense against unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale.

Also on the card, Chris Eubank Jr. defends his British middleweight title against Welshman Tom Doran, John Wayne Hibbert clashes with Andrea Scarpa, Dillian Whyte returns to the fray and unbeaten Birmingham star Kal Yafai is in action, Olympic bronze medalist Anthony Ogogo continues his comeback from injury; Conor Benn fights for the third time in the paid ranks and there’s a debut for Team GB star Felix Cash.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_Gray_Boxing.