By Jake Donovan

With a single move, Martin Murray now has a new promoter, fight date and weight class.

The longtime middleweight contender has signed with England promotional powerhouse Matchroom Boxing, the company announced Friday. 

The 32-year old will make his debut under the Matchroom banner on June 26 in Liverpool, barely 30 minutes from his hometown of St. Helens. It will mark his first fight in the UK since Dec. ’13, with his past four bouts having taken place in South Africa and Monte Carlo while fighting for Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves Promotions.

Murray’s placement on the card comes on the heels of David Price pulling out of his homecoming showcase due to a neck injury. 

“I’m delighted to sign for Matchroom and am so excited about the future with them and Sky Sports,” said Murray. “I’ve been in major fights all over the World against Felix Sturm in Germany, Sergio Martinez in Argentina and Golovkin in France but now I feel it’s time that I had those major fights in the UK.

“I’m excited to return at the Echo Arena on June 26. I’ve never boxed there and it’s not far from my hometown – it’s the beginning of a new journey for me. I’ve always felt I could become a World champion and now under Eddie, Matchroom and Sky Sports I know I will make that dream become reality.”

Along with the fight date comes Murray’s venture into the super middleweight division. The Brit has come up short on three separate challenges of a middleweight title: fighting to a draw with Felix Sturm on the road in their Dec. ’11 clash in Germany; coming up just short in Argentina versus local hero and then-World middleweight king Sergio Martinez in April ’13; and most recently, bravely withstanding 11 rounds of punishment from Gennady Golovkin before suffering his first knockout loss this past February in Monte Carlo.

While still recognized as a perennial Top 10 contender, Murray has decided that eight extra pounds of fighting weight could bode well to his 6’0” frame. 

“I’ve fought the very best at Middleweight and now I’m ready to do the same at 168lbs. It’s a hot division and domestically can throw up some absolute wars. James DeGale did great to capture the World title and I’d love that fight later this year. George Groves is also challenging for a title and again it’s a fight I’d relish.”

Murray’s placement on the June 26 card now shines an even brighter light on the super middleweight division, which hosts two more bouts on the show. At the top, unbeaten Callum Smith faces former title challenger Christopher Rebrasse in a title eliminator. In supporting action, unbeaten prospect Rocky Fielding takes a step up as he squares off versus veteran Bryan Vera. 

Also on the bill, title challenger/actor Tony Bellew returns in a stay-busy bout at cruiserweight. 

Given all of the talent in store, Murray will obviously need to step up in order to stand out. His new handlers are hardly worried on his delivering on that front.

“I’m delighted to welcome Martin to our team of elite fighters,” said Hearn. “Martin has proved time and again that he is one of the best middleweights in the world and now I am looking forward to building him further in the UK and being involved in some huge domestic and international fights.

“It all starts on June 26 at the Echo Arena – these are great times for British boxing and I’m so pleased I get the chance to deliver for Martin Murray.”

An opponent has yet to be named for the bout, though could come in the next few days. Matchroom Boxing will host a press conference for the official unveiling of its latest signing, with the event slated for Wednesday, June 10 in London.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox