No putting the card before the horse
HE MAY be fighting on a world title card but Rohan Murdock is adamant thoughts of his own world belt will not cloud his performance tonight.
Murdock has a path to a world super middleweight title fight next year if he can win his next three bouts, including tonight’s clash on the Jeff Horn undercard in Brisbane.
Murdock will fight Russian Apti Ustarkhanov for the vacant WBO Oriental title and while super promoter Bob Arum has cleared the way for a showdown against Gilberto Ramirez on the Gold Coast next year, that will only happen if Murdock keeps winning.
Coach Chris Cardin said Murdock would not put the cart before the horse and was fully focussed on tonight’s job.
“It’s nice for everybody to say we have this path but there is no path if we get beaten,” Cardin said.
“We work out butts off and take every day as it comes pretty much.” The clash against Ustrarkhanov will be no walk in the park for Murdock, with the Russian boasting a record of 15 wins, two losses and three draws from his 20 professional fights.
But Murdock (20-1-0) is determined not to let his opportunity go to waste.
“It’s pretty much the toughest fight on the card but that’s all right,” Cardin said.
“That’s what we’re there for, to push ourselves and be pushed. We’re looking forward to the challenge of getting through and look forward to the next stage.”
Murdock weighed in yesterday looking extremely fit but was set to rehydrate and refuel after having to lose 5kg in just a few days to make weight.
On paper, the 25-year-old should have the edge over Ustarkhanov, over whom he enjoys a crucial 10cm reach advantage.