Sunday 24 June 2018 07:45, UK
Martin Murray remains in contention for another world title shot after comfortably defeating Roberto Garcia on points at the O2 Arena.
Murray, who was originally due to face Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO middleweight title, secured a unanimous points decision, 116-111, 118-109, 118-108, to end Garcia's eight-year unbeaten run.
The 35-year-old is now mandatory challenger for WBC champion Gennady Golovkin, who is due to face Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a rematch in Las Vegas in September.
Murray slightly edged the opening round against Garcia, who was then penalised for a low blow in the second.
The two fighters appeared to clash heads in the third round and it was Garcia who landed the first telling blow of the bout, catching Murray with a powerful right.
Murray recovered to take the middle rounds with some busy work before Garcia responded with a strong eighth and ninth.
However, the 38-year-old Mexican's hopes of victory were further dented when he was deducted another point for shots to the back of the head as the fight neared its conclusion.
Garcia, knowing he needed a knockout punch to win the fight, continued to come forward in the final rounds but Murray held on to secure an impressive win.
After the fight, Murray said he would be willing to fight Saunders, but only if there was a guarantee he would be paid in case the 28-year-old pulled out again.
"You cannot trust the man, he has done it twice so for me to do it again there would have to be some insurance in place," said Murray.
"He loves being the world champion but does not defend his belts. If there was insurance in place I would fight him and take him to school.
"I do believe there is a world title in me. I just need the right fight at the right time."
