George Groves Very Interested in Martin Murray Showdown

By Edward Chaykovsky

Super middleweight contender George Groves (22-3, 17KOs) is very interested in a crossroads showdown with Martin Murray.

Groves returned to the ring last month, where he blew out Andrea Di Luisa in five rounds. It was Groves' first bout since losing a twelve round split decision to WBC world champion Badou Jack.

Murray (32-3-1, 13KOs) has been out of the ring since losing a twelve round split decision to WBO champion Arthur Abraham last November. Groves and Abraham are both stablemates under promotional firm Sauerland Event.

Groves has been at 168-pounds for his entire career, while Murray moved up there after last February's eleventh round TKO defeat to Gennady Golovkin. He won his next three straight, all by knockout, before losing to Abraham.

A few days ago Murray called for a fight with Groves, who really likes the idea of the match and feels that it makes a lot of sense right now.

"I think that's an ideal fight for me right now," Groves told Sky Sports. "He [Murray] has challenged for world titles, he's moved up from middleweight and lost a split decision to Arthur Abraham so he proved he belongs in good company.

"I feel it's a fight I'm very comfortable taking and winning - and winning well. I think the British fans would enjoy it, see it as a real 50-50 fight maybe and as I said, I'd certainly take it. And I know he's interested, if he's willing to come all the way down to watch me box! He must be interested."

"He's one guy who isn't tied up, who is ready and willing to take the fight He is a tough fighter and a good fighter as well. His style of fighting means he's always in the fight really. That's why he's lost so many close decisions."