By Alexey Sukachev
Casino de Monte Carlo Salle Medecin, Monte Carlo, Monaco - Martin Murray (28-1-1, 12 KOs) of St. Helens, England, proved his claim of being one of the best European middleweights with a dominant tactical win over tough Ukrainian pressure fighter Max Bursak (29-3-1, 12 KOs), a former European champion.
Murray was in full control of the fight against WBA #7 Bursak. Not having a great punch to go with, Bursak tried to stalk Murray anyway but for no good reason. He was pinned with the jab of the Brit, and also clinched to match on the inside. Murray also displayed great finesse and tremendous footwork to continuously befuddle his slower opponent. Size disadvantage also didn't help Bursak's case. When he tried to get on the inside, he was ordered somewhat strong diet of hard jabs and counter punches, most of them landing flush on his chin. He did some damage in the mid rounds but it wasn't enough to hurt Murray, who finished this contest very strong and in commanding fashion.
Murray easily won a majority of the rounds with his precision punching, sharp jab and great footwork, getting 119-109 scorecards from both Daniel van de Viele and his wife Olena Pobyvailo (both representing Belgium) and a bit closer 117-112 score from Esa Lehtosaari (Finland). BoxingScene had it 118-110 - for WBC #2, IBF #3 and WBO #13 former two-time world-title challenger, who now holds the WBC Silver middleweight title. Meanwhile, Bursak has lost his second straight this year, his first loss coming also in Monaco - against Jarrod Fletcher in February.
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Also, Frenchman Doudou Ngumbu (33-5, 12 KOs) scored a unanimous decision win over South African Johnny Muller (16-4-2, 12 KOs) over ten rounds in a non-televised undercard.
