Monte Carlo - A sensational middleweight title clash between two-time former world title challenger Martin Murray of the United Kingdom and highly rated contender Jarrod “Left Jab” Fletcher has been added to the MONTE CARLO BOXING BONANZA set for Saturday, FEBRUARY 1, it was announced today by Rodney Berman, President of African promotional giant, Golden Gloves of South Africa.
The Murray-Fletcher clash will be contested for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight World Title.
“We’re thrilled to add this outstanding world title clash to an already extraordinary evening of boxing,” said Berman. “Murray has been one of the top middleweights in the division in recent years and Fletcher is an aggressive, young fighter from Australia who is very anxious for this opportunity at a world title.”
“I’ve been so close to winning a world title twice before and this could be third time lucky,” said Martin Murray. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s my dream and I want to create a bit of history because St Helens has never had a world champion before.
“I know Fletcher’s a good kid with a solid pedigree. Beating someone like James DeGale as an amateur proves he’s good. I’m treating this deadly serious and you’ll see the best of me on February 1st.”
Said Jarrod Fletcher about the title bout: “This is my first chance at a world title and not only am I looking forward to showcasing myself, but I’m looking forward to bringing the WBA world title back to Australia.”
“I’ve traveled around the world during my career and I’m really excited by the chance to fight in Monte Carlo, showing the world that despite a loss last year I belong at the top of this division. I’m on a good winning run at the moment and that’ll continue."
Stated Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions: “Jarrod Fletcher was the captain of the Australian Olympic Team, gold medalist in the Commonwealth Games and has excelled at every level of the sport.”
“He had dominant wins over Adonis Stevenson and James DeGale as an amateur and when Jarrod has his hand raised in victory February 1st and becomes the WBA Middleweight Champion of the world, he will have secured the career defining victory he has worked so hard for as a professional. Jarrod will make the most of this opportunity!”
The 31-year-old Murray, 26-1-1 (11KO’s), most recently returned to action winning a decision over Sergey Khomitsky on December 14 in London, England.
On APRIL 27, 2013, Murray performed at his career best, challenging WBC Middleweight World Champion Sergio Martinez on APRIL 27 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite dropping the champion in the 8th round and seeming to earn the victory, Murray lost a very close decision in Martinez’s homeland.
In 2011, Murray travelled to Mannheim, Germany, challenging then WBA “Super” Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm for his title, losing a very close split decision to the hometown champion.
Murray is currently world ranked #1 by the WBA, #8 by the IBF and #6 by both ESPN.com and Ring Magazine.
With a record of 17-1-0 with 10 knockouts, the 30-year-old Fletcher is riding a five bout-winning streak with four wins in a busy 2013.
Fletcher captured the Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) Middleweight Title on DECEMBER 16, 2012 with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision win over Robbie Bryant in Perth, Australia. He successfully defended the title on APRIL 5, 2013 with a fifth round knockout of Randy Suico in Altona North, Australia.
Fletcher is currently world ranked #3 by the WBA.
Headlining the “Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza” is boxing’s fastest rising superstar, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin fighting for the WBA’s Super title at middleweight against top rated challenger Osumanu Adama.
Also featured on the world-class card is a junior flyweight clash between former world champion Nkosinathi “Mabere” Joyi of South Africa and Rey
“The Hitman” Loreto of the Philippines for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Title.
The Murray/Fletcher world title bout is presented in association with Hatton Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions while the Golovkin/Adama clash is promoted in association with K2 Promotions and GGG Promotions.
Detailed ticket information for “Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza” at the beautiful Salle des Etoiles venue on the peninsula of Monte Carlo will be announced shortly.
This world class event is exclusively distributed internationally by leading boxing rights distributor and sports marketing firm, Octapixx LIVE, and the company is presently in conversation with top broadcasters worldwide to ensure that the “Monte Carlo Boxing Bonanza” can be seen by sports fans everywhere.
Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year. The Casino de Monte-Carlo, owned and operated by the Monte-Carlo SBM Group, is the premiere casino destination in Europe. It continues to attract gamblers among the wealthiest and most well known celebrities. For further information please visit their website at www.MonteCarloSBM.com
A country rich in sports history, Monaco is home of the world famous Formula 1 Grand Prix motor race and many major international events such as the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.