Abraham vs. Murray Confirmed For 11/21 In Hannover
Oct 7, 2015 • 9:18 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
It was hardly a secret by the time it was revealed, but plenty of intrigue surrounds the November 21 clash between defending super middleweight champ Arthur Abraham and Martin Murray.
The title fight – which takes place at TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany - was formally announced on Wednesday, confirming rumors of such a fight which
BoxingScene reported earlier in the week
.
Naturally, both fighters anticipate a tough battle but one in which they will prevail.
“Martin is a very strong opponent. He has challenged for World titles three times before and on two of those occasions he should have won,” notes Abraham (43-4, 29KOs), who attempts the fifth defense of his second super middleweight title reign. “He is a very deserving challenger and I think it will be a good fight. That is what the public want to see – the best fighting the best – and that is what they will see on November 21 in Hannover.”
His opponent is actually surprised to receive the opportunity, not because he doesn’t deserve but that Abraham could take any fight he wants at this stage of his career.
“I am thrilled to have the chance to face Arthur for the WBO World Super Middleweight title,” said Murray. “I was shocked when Arthur agreed to the fight. It’s one he didn't have to take so he must be confident – but I’m at my natural weight now… on November 21, I will become world champion.”
The event will air live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with the Sky Sports featuring a split site telecast that also features the lightweight title fight rematch between Darleys Perez and Anthony Crolla.
Abraham reclaimed the title from longtime rival Robert Stieglitz last March, having since gone up 3-1 in their four-fight following a 6th round knockout in his most recent win this past July. All four bouts featured a title at stake, with Abraham’s first super middleweight title reign beginning with a 12-round decision win in Aug. ’12.
Stieglitz scored a 4th round stoppage in their March ’13 rematch, Abraham’s last loss to date. He has since rattled off seven consecutive wins, including a pair of 12-round decision nods over England’s Paul Smith.
Not all British super middleweights are built alike, however; Abraham expects an entirely different challenge from Murray, who fights for his first title at 168 lbs. since moving up earlier this summer.
“Martin is a very different type of fighter than Paul,” said Abraham. “He is more experienced and has fought at a much higher level. When I fought Paul I was the best opponent he had faced but Martin has fought at this level before so I expect this fight to be a tougher challenge.”
Added Kalle Sauerland, Abraham’s promoter: “This is a great match up between two real warriors. Arthur has silenced his critics and proven time and time again why he is the man to beat at 168 lbs. His last performance against Stieglitz is testament to how much more he still has to give in the sport and we expect him to deliver another explosive performance on November 21, live on Sat.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.
“Martin Murray is a fighter who I have a lot of respect for. He has gone on the road, fighting the very best and is unlucky not to have already been crowned World Champion. This may well be his last chance and I expect him to give it his all and more than play his part in this fascinating encounter.”
Despite having fought at that higher level before, Murray (32-2-1, 15KOs) remains boxing’s hard-luck contender. The 33-year old from St. Helen’s, England once again hits the road in search of alphabet glory. He was wronged in two earlier challenges, including his lone trip to Germany when he was forced to settle for a 12-round draw with Felix Sturm in their Dec. ’11 middleweight title fight.
Murray also came up just short in a disputed 12-round loss to then-World middleweight king Sergio Martinez in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April ’13. His lone other title shot was his last at middleweight, extending Gennady Golovkin the deepest he’s ever been in a fight to date, but ultimately succumbed to the unbeaten knockout artist in 11 rounds this past February in Monte Carlo.
Whereas past Golovkin knockout victims have ultimately crumbled in the aftermath, Murray’s career is actually at a high point. Amazingly, he’s already fought three times since the loss, all coming at super middleweight upon signing with Matchroom Boxing in June. His most recent performance came in September, stopping Jose Miguel Torres in five rounds for his third win in just ten weeks.
“I'm delighted to deliver this shot for Martin on a huge night of World Championship boxing on Sky Sports,’’ said Eddie Hearn, Murray’s promoter. “It's a fight Martin and his team have been asking me for since he signed with us and the opportunity that I believe will see him realize his dream of becoming World Champion.”
As luck would have it, his first shot at a super middleweight title comes against his desired target.
“It’s the fight that I targeted when I chose to move up to Super Middleweight and it’s one that I am confident of winning,” notes Murray. “I know that Arthur is a great champion and a tough man to beat on his home patch, but my trainer and I both believe that we have the formula to take his title. I have never been afraid to travel to fight for World titles and this occasion will be no different.”
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
