Martin Murray has hailed the calming influence of trainer Jamie Moore as he prepares to clash with former middleweight world champion Hassan N’Dam on Saturday.
St Helens’ Murray (37-4-1-KO17) faces N’Dam (36-3-KO21) on the Josh Warrington vs. Carl Frampton card – live on BT Sport – having overcome the controversial tactics of Robert Garcia last time out to earn the WBC Silver title.
Murray said: “From my point of view, despite his dirty tactics, it was a comfortable win. It was easy because I stuck to the tactics. I was a couple of spars short in that camp.
“We went from preparing for an awkward southpaw runner in Saunders to preparing for an orthodox fighter who is in your face. We had to change everything last minute. That’s just me being honest.
“First of all, what’s said to you in the corner. Jamie Moore is very good at defusing a situation and keeping you calm. You’ve seen with Garcia against me and then Steven Ward against Rolando Paredes, who got disqualified.
“We’re all in the gym and we’re all happy. We’re under great coaches in Jamie and Nigel. Speaking personally, if you’re het up and angry, it only takes a little something to make your head go and you lose your game plan.
“The gym is flying. We’re all happy and we’re all fighting. We’re with the Trainer of the Year. It’s a team effort and we’re all doing really well.
“I had a few disappointments with what happened with Billy Joe Saunders. I thought I was going to get out and then Garcia called me out and brought his WBC title over. The win got me back up the rankings and I’m No. 2 in the WBC rankings.”
Joining Murray and Frampton on a huge Christmas bill are fellow MTK Global stars Billy Joe Saunders, Liam Williams, Michael Conlan, Paddy Barnes, Steven Ward, Sam Maxwell and Troy Williamson.