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http://www.livefight.com/news.phpBy @John_Evans79
British middleweight champion Martin Murray might finally have a challenge he can sink his teeth into. The 29 year old has endured a frustrating spell since his creditable draw with long reigning WBA 'Super' middleweight champion Felix Sturm last December and has seen numerous meaningful and money spinning clashes fall by the wayside. However, during a recent conversation with www.livefight.com Murray, 24-0-1 (10), revealed that there could be a pretty bright light at the end of the tunnel.
"I've always been looking for high profile fights and there's talk of Darren Barker" says Murray. Barker makes his return from injury against Italian Simone Rotolo on September 8th and Murray is hoping that he comes through unscathed. "Ricky [Hatton] made Eddie Hearn an offer, Eddie made a better offer and fair play to Ricky, he then went in with an even bigger offer and I believe Eddie Hearn's taken that now. It's just a case of getting the fight sorted out now. I think they're just working out dates and television and things like that. I've been chasing these kind of fights for years - even before I won the British title - and they [Barker and Matthew Macklin] were always a step ahead of me but I proved then that I belong at that level by doing better than them in a world title fight.
"Me and Barker have spoke and he's said that he wants the fight" Murray continues. "I'm sure he'd fight me so hopefully we can get it sorted. It'll be a great fight for the British public and a great fight for us two. We're looking at around November. This is my third week back in the gym and I'm ticking over, getting some base fitness in and getting my weight down a little bit. I'm ready to get back in the gym now. I've had a couple of weeks off and I've done what I needed to do with my family and friends and I'm ready for some hard work."
Whilst negotiations between Hatton Promotions and Matchroom seem to have been going on for months, relations between the two fighters have remained good. Whereas Murray and Macklin simply don't get along and take the occasional shot at each other, Murray and Barker seem to hold a great deal of respect for each other.
"I've always treated people how they treat me" says the former Commonwealth champion. "Barker's always been alright with me so I've been alright with him. We're both doing our jobs and trying to provide for our families and we've both agreed we're gonna fight. Barker's a man of his word and with him going to America to fight Sergio Martinez and me going Germany to fight Sturm, it's clear we're not scared of fighting anybody so I know when it comes to it, we'll both be up for it."
That respect carries over into discussions about how the fight will eventually pan out. Don't mistake that respect for a lack of confidence on Murray's part though. He is positive that it will be his hand that is raised at the end of the highly anticipated match up.
"I've always thought that Barker's an excellent fighter. He's got good range and timing and good boxing skills but I've said for a long time that I've got the style to beat him. He'll say that about me though! He thinks he can beat me and I think I can beat him. That's what makes it such a great fight. People will have their own opinions and the only way we can sort it is by fighting."
