British Army To Escort Murray Into Germany For Sturm Clash

ByBoxing Press

Martin Murray will have the Army fighting his corner when he challenges WBA Super Middleweight champion – Felix Sturm in December.

The British, Commonwealth and WBA Inter-continental champion meets the German idol in Mannheim, on Friday December 2.

And when Martin makes his ring walk at the SAP Arena – he will be accompanied by drummers from The Duke of Lancaster regiment. Murray accepted an invitation to visit their Preston barracks from Captain Phil Sweeney, ahead of his big clash against Sturm.

The St Helens fighter, 29, was accompanied by three-year-old son, Archie and fellow Hatton Promotions fighters Scott Quigg and Adam Little. Martin’s friend, Andy Reid, was injured in battle losing both legs and the unbeaten boxer is helping to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.

He said: “The ABF doesn’t get the attention that Help for Heroes gets so I am trying to help bring awareness and the drummers being part of my ring walk will play a part. The day we spent with the regiment was a real eye opener. I did some of the tests and they were mentally tiring.

I might be fighting for a world title, but those guys are in the biggest fight of all. When I challenge Sturm I am trying to make my life better. The Army boys are making our lives better. It was hoped that Andy would get to my fight, but he has a date with the Queen that day in his role as an ambassador for the ABF.”

Murray who has won all 23 professional fights planned to have an army career but failed the medicals because of eczema on his legs.

He added: “My army career lasted about two hours, but hopefully now I can do my bit to help a very good cause.”

Martin, Quigg and Ricky Hatton will return to Weeton Barracks on November 11 to hand out prizes at an Inter-Battalion novices boxing competition where fighters trained by his close friend Corporal Wally Lee are in action.