Martin Murray Expects Tough Challenge From Bursak

British world title hopeful Martin Murray returns to action when he takes on Max Bursak for the vacant WBC silver middleweight title on June 21.

The 31-year-old, who is ranked amongst the best 160 pounders around, returns for the first time since his highly controversial loss to Sergio Martinez, who lost his WBC middleweight title to Miguel Cotto last weekend.

The St Helens man travelled to hostile Buenos Aires last year, when he fought in front of a crowd of 40,000 at the Estadio José Amalfitani, home to Argentine football club Velez Sarsfield.

Twice decking Martinez, with only one being ruled an official knockdown, Murray out hustled his Argentine foe before succumbing to the judges' scorecards in which he lost a unanimous decision.

He bounced back following the contentious decision with a win over Sergey Khomitsky before overcoming Ishmael Tetteh in April, and has promised fireworks when he meets Bursak, who has a record of 29 wins in his 32 fights with only two defeats, when they clash in Monte Carlo.

"Training is going brilliant - I'm feeling really well. I'm focused and I'm up for the fight," said Murray (27-1-1 12KOs)

"I can't wait to get in the ring. I'm going to put on a great performance and make it a night not to be missed."

Murray was ringside when the Ukrainian last fought and knows he'll need to be at his very best to not only win but look impressive, with a glittering performance putting him in line for a shot at Cotto.

"I watched Bursak in February when he fought in Monte Carlo against Jarrod Fletcher and I thought he was unlucky not to get the decision. He's a tough fighter and you don't have to go looking for him, he's just there," Murray said.

"He's a real brawler and what he lacks in skill he makes up for in toughness and experience. We've both had nearly 10 weeks notice for this fight so I know he'll be up for it and I'm expecting him to be in the best shape he's ever been in to face me."

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