DEFEATED world title contender Martin Murray said he gave it his best shot against the still unbeaten champion Gennady Golovkin – but ultimately that was not good enough, writes Mike Critchley.

Speaking at ringside, moments after the referee stopped the fight 50 seconds into round 11, the Warrington-based fighter said: “It has been an honour to fight Golovkin. He has got a great team around him and I thank him for the fight.

“Regarding the fight, Golovkin is tough.

“I could not have done any more preparing for this. I took myself away from my family and went to South Africa for five weeks.

“In there I gave it my all – and that is the best I can do. I am absolutely gutted.”

Murray was floored twice in the fourth by some brutal body shots, but picked himself up to stay in the fight and throw plenty back in return.

“What can I say – Golovkin’s a great fighter and there was not much more I can do,” he said.

Murray, who has now lost two and draw one of his world challenges, paid tribute to his trainer Oliver Harrison and thanked his Barmy Army who travelled in large numbers to Monte Carlo.

In a message to his fans watching in Monaco and back home he said: “I’m sorry for letting you down but there is nothing much more I can do.

“It is now on to the next venture and see where we go from here,” he said.