Matchroom boxing boss, Eddie Hearn, has one eye on a huge UK super-middleweight unification between IBF champion, James DeGale and recent signing Martin Murray, provided both come through their next outings.
Murray challenges for Arthur Abraham’s WBO 168 lb strap in Germany on Nov.21, while DeGale defends his IBF strap a week later against former champ, Lucian Bute in Canada, and the Beijing 2008 gold medalist has stated that unification fights are on his mind for the future – including one against Murray should he prevail.
“Murray’s boxing against Abraham – if he comes through that can you imagine two Brits unifying titles? Fantastic,” DeGale said to Sky Sports.
“I’ve got a lot of options,” he added. “”Obviously Badou Jack is the WBC champion so that’s a possibility for Las Vegas next April-time.
“I’ve got loads of options but – first things first – let me get through this one [against Bute]. The future’s looking good, I’m feeling really, really fresh and I can’t wait to box.”
Murray is looking to make it as a world champion at the fourth time of asking, after three challenges at 160 all ended in defeat. In 2011, the St.Helen’s man battled to a controversial draw against Felix Sturm before being unlucky again 2 years later – dropping a decision to Sergio Martinez in his Argentine backyard, despite dropping the champion along the way.
His last title tilt – an 11th round stoppage to Gennady Golovkin back in February ended his days at middleweight, and he signed for Matchroom and moved to 168 shortly afterwards.
He has boxed 3 times over the Summer against limited opposition to warm him up for the shot at the German champion, who at 35 is enjoying something of a purple patch, beating old foe Robert Stieglitz in their 4th fight back in July.
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