MARTIN MURRAY has made European middleweight champion Matthew Macklin his number one target.
The undefeated St Helens star makes the first defence of his Commonwealth title at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on Friday November 26.
Murray, 28, is still waiting to discover his opponent, but hopes that Macklin is soon in the opposing corner.
Martin was furious when Macklin slammed him in trade paper Boxing News, vowing to “destroy” him if they ever met.
He said: “I never mentioned Macklin before because he has nothing to gain by facing an unbeaten boxer like me so why he brought up talk of “destroying” me I don’t know.
“He has been a professional six years longer than me and I have always been behind him, but I will say now, ‘I am ready for him.’
“The progress I have made recently has been fantastic and I’m not that far behind him so hopefully we will meet.”
Murray, who has won all 20 fights is impressing with each fight, and won the Commonwealth crown by outpointing iron-chinned Australian Peter Mitrevski Jr in July.
He added: “It is hard to believe that I have only been boxing professionally just over three years, but managed 20 fights unbeaten and the Commonwealth title.
“It is me getting in the ring, but my trainer Oliver Harrison is fantastic. Things have gone brilliantly and I wouldn’t have any other trainer in my corner.”
Topping the fantastic Bolton bill is Matthew Hatton second defence European welterweight title defence, where he faces against Switzerland’s undefeated Roberto Belge.
Bury’s impressive WBA international champion Scott Quigg will be bidding for his 21st consecutive win, but faces good Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou – his toughest opponent to date.
The rest of the undercard features some of Hatton Promotions talented prospects including Beijing Olympian Joe Murray, unbeaten heavyweight Richard Towers, Matty Askin, Adam Etches and Tasif Khan.
Hatton Promotions latest talent stacked show is certain to sell-out but you can get your tickets £75 (Ringside), £50 and £30 from 0161 775 7500, www.ticketline.co.uk. There is limited number of corporate packages – price on request.