Murray vs Rosado: Martin Murray battles Gabriel Rosado in Liverpool on Saturday
Tuesday 18 April 2017 16:42, UK
Martin Murray faces Gabriel Rosado in an exciting battle on Saturday's Liverpool bill, with Rocky Fielding and Sean Dodd also fighting for titles, live on Sky Sports.
The St Helens man is fighting for his future in a middleweight showdown with Rosado at the Echo Arena, while Fielding faces John Ryder for the vacant British super-middleweight title, and Sean Dodd takes on Lee Appleyard for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight belt.
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Murray vs Rosado
Murray, 34, will be forced to forget any lingering hopes of a fifth world title fight if he suffers defeat against Rosado.
Murray has experienced heartbreak in his four failed attempts to become a world champion, enduring a frustrating draw with Felix Sturm, and was on the wrong end of points defeats to Sergio Martinez and Arthur Abraham.
But he had no complaints about an 11th-round stoppage loss to middleweight king Gennady Golovkin, who also shared a brutal war with Rosado before stopping the American in the seventh round.
Rosado earned a reputation as a dangerous brawler in victories over Joshua Clottey and Sechew Powell, two world title challengers, and also shared the ring with two former world champions in Peter Quillin and David Lemieux.
Careers will be at stake when Murray and Rosado collide this weekend and two of boxing's toughest men are expected to produce a memorable war.
Fielding v Ryder
Fielding and Ryder are also preparing for a win-or-bust encounter as they attempt to claim the British title which was vacated by Callum Smith.
Defeat would be disastrous for local fighter Fielding, who has repaired his career after a stunning first-round defeat to Smith, while Ryder badly needs a victory after climbing up in weight in search of new title opportunities.
Fielding proved his grit in a hard-fought points win over Christopher Rebrasse, but will be aware of the threat posed by Ryder following the Londoner's unanimous decision victory over Adam Etches.
Dodd v Appleyard
The popular Dodd, another hometown favourite, can continue his success story by taking the Commonwealth title with victory over Appleyard.
Dodd's career seemed to be heading in the wrong direction when he was halted by Andy Townend, but 'Masher' twice nearly upset the odds against Scott Cardle, suffering a late stoppage loss in their British title fight, before battling to a draw in the rematch.
The Merseysider has since earned two victories and can climb further up the lightweight rankings if he defeats Appleyard.
Cordina's debut night
Rio 2016 Olympian Joe Cordina will be raring to fight as a professional after watching former Team GB fighters such as Lawrence Okolie and Josh Kelly make impressive professional debuts.
The 25-year-old Welshman is expected to target belts at super-featherweight and has set himself a target of winning a world title within three years.
Cordina has already sparred with IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby and will be guided by experienced Essex trainer Tony Sims.
Watch Martin Murray's middleweight clash with Gabriel Rosado at the top of an exciting bill in Liverpool this Saturday night, starting at 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
