Martin Murray wary of George Groves power but not contemplating defeat
Thursday 28 April 2016 10:14, UK
Martin Murray admits he respects George Groves' power but insists he will not be denied when the pair meet on June 25.
Murray (32-3-1-KO15) and Groves (23-3-KO18) will clash at The O2 on the undercard of Anthony Joshua v Dominic Breazeale with both knowing defeat could well spell the end of their world title ambitions.
The pair have come agonisingly close to becoming world champions in the past - Murray drew with Felix Sturm in 2011 and went on to suffer disappointment at the top level a further three times, while Groves was famously stopped twice by Carl Froch and then outpointed by Badou Jack in September 2015.
The winner goes on to another world title and the loser doesn't. It could really be the end of the road for the loser so the pressure is equal on us both.
Murray, who is preparing for a tune-up fight on May 7, told Sky Sports: "The fact I've come closer than him to a world title won't give me an edge. We both came up short. Neither of us are world champions. We both want another world title fight. It's a tough fight for us both.
"His profile is bigger because of the Carl Froch fights. I've been in some high-profile fights but they've been abroad so they haven't got the media attention over here.
"There's going to be lots of pressure on us both. The winner goes on to another world title and the loser doesn't. It could really be the end of the road for the loser so the pressure is equal on us both.
"I'm not ready for retirement. I've got so much more to give. I feel like I'm just getting into my prime and ready to step it up to those extra levels I need to. I'm not even contemplating losing. I'm going to win that fight and go on to a world title.
"I watched both his latest fights. The first one I watched live and the second one I watched on television. I noticed he had a bit of meat in his shots - he looked powerful but I think he's always had that power.
"He's a sharp shooter with a world-class jab and power. Just because I've been in with Gennady Golovkin doesn't mean that I'll go in there with my chin up in the air looking to take Groves' best shots. I'll be wary of his power.
"It's a massive fight. It doesn't need selling. It's already sold. The attention it's got since it's been announced has been unbelievable. I've always wanted the big domestic fights - I grew up on them as a kid. Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Steve Collins. I've always wanted involvement in that."
Groves recently claimed new trainer Shane McGuigan has unlocked more power and that he's 'feeling bigger' as he prepares for the crucial bout.
