Murray's added incentive to beat French champion (From Warrington Guardian)

British middleweight champion Martin Murray ready for French challenge

11:47am Thursday 14th June 2012 in Sport By Mike Critchley

WORLD title contender Martin Murray has been given an added incentive to maintain his unbeaten record when he tackles French middleweight champion Karim Achour at the Manchester Velodrome.

The Paddington-based puncher takes his first step into the ring since drawing against WBA ‘super’ world champion Felix Sturm back in December.

The British middleweight champion’s efforts to get another title shot have been frustrated since then – but his promoter Ricky Hatton has promised a major announcement in the coming weeks about a big fight should Murray come through his French test unscathed.

Hatton said: “When you perform and get a draw at world championship level, I’m guessing the confidence Martin must have has gone through the roof, so hopefully that will be the difference now that he’s had the experience.

“He can move on and the next time he fights for the world title I don’t see a draw, I see him taking the championship.”

Murray said: “It has been a long time since I was last out, but I’m just looking forward to getting back out there now.

“I feel that he’s the right opponent for me after coming back from the Sturm fight.

“He will be a good opponent; after all, he isn’t a champion for nothing, but I’ve got confidence in my own ability and I know now that I’ll definitely become world champion one day.”