Martin Murray blasts aside George Beroshvili in second round

Martin Murray marked his return to the ring with a ruthless second-round stoppage win over George Beroshvili.

The St Helens man has decided to move up in weight since his gallant defeat by Gennady Golovkin and he started the next chapter of his career in style, chopping down the Georgian with a brutal body shot at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

Fighting behind his usual high guard, Murray bullied his opponent backwards in the first round and sunk in hurtful shots to Beroshvili's ribs. The Georgian struggled to hold off the former world title challenger and was gasping for air at the bell.

Beroshvili continued to backpedal in the second, receiving a stiff right hand as he sought refuge by the ropes, and Murray quickly finished off his outgunned foe.

Two swift rights drew Beroshvili's hands down for a few crucial seconds and Murray unleashed a spiteful left hook under the elbow.

Dropping to his knees, Beroshvili was drained of any resistance and he barely beat the count before the referee waved it off.

Murray said afterwards: "I felt strong and I felt comfy at the weight. I think fighting at super-middleweight is going to suit me. We know if we catch anyone clean with those body shots then they're going to go.

"Golovkin's the best at middleweight and I came up short against him but I'm at my proper weight now and I'll fight any super-middleweight out there. I'm looking forward to big fights in the future."