Having finally secured the signature of Martin Murray, promoter Rodney Berman has wasted no time in getting the St Helens star busy.
The Golden Gloves boss announced today that the elite middleweight will fight at Emperors Palace on April 23 against Ghana’s Ishmail Tetteh.
Murray will top the box ‘n dine card east of Johannesburg, but the bigger plan is to create a Monte Carlo foothold for him with a view to securing him a major championship bout within 12 months.
Indeed, he will be showcased in Monte Carlo on June 21 and again in the principality in November.
Berman says next month’s outing is designed purely to help Murray shake off ring rust ahead of his far bigger outing in Monaco. Tetteh (29-10-2, 16 KOs) has been on the professional scene for a dozen years and is a rugged fighter. His only stoppage defeat in the past 10 years came controversially at the hands of Joseph Makaringe (in 2006) when the referee mistakenly waved off the action under the misapprehension of Tetteh quitting.
Berman says he has been pleasantly surprised by the excitement and interest in Murray. “Firstly, SA fight fans know all about him and respect him as a true talent, especially after he was robbed against Sergio Martinez, a fight that was broadcast locally. His supporters in the UK have also voiced their feelings. While some are surprised he decided to join a South African outfit, the reality is that international boxing works this way. We can open doors for him and as long as he keeps winning the partnership will be a vibrant one.
“From what I’ve seen and heard, Martin is the real deal and I look forward to taking him to bigger things. Next month is the first step in a three-pronged plan that will culminate in a major fight – hopefully against WBA champion Gennady Golovkin. That is the aim.”
Berman says the undercard will primarily feature new and exciting talent like Martin Makabu, who makes his pro debut next week. Others on the card include a hot prospect from Colin Nathan’s gym and another from Harold Volbrecht’s stable.
