60-SECOND INTERVIEW
‘I’VE HAD THREE KNEE OPERATIONS. I HAD TO STOP PLAYING FOOTBALL BECAUSE OF IT’ Ross Murray
When and why you started boxing:
I started boxing when I was 13 in order to get fit for football.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Floyd Mayweather. I loved his style and the way he made world-class fighters look ordinary.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Roman Martinez-ricky Burns at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. No one gave Burns a chance that night. He was put down in the first round, but got up to win. What an atmosphere – the place was bouncing!
Personal career highlight:
Challenging for the WBO European super-flyweight title after only six pro fights.
Toughest opponent:
Sunny Edwards [l rsf 4 – November 2017]. His judgement of distance was excellent, as was his timing and speed.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My main strength is that I’m dedicated. I’m always in the gym, learning and improving. My weakness is my tendency to get involved in a fight, rather than sticking to boxing.
Training tip:
Stay prepared. Too many boxers don’t train all year round and spend an eight-week camp trying to lose weight rather than focusing on improving their skills.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
A fillet steak from Miller & Carter, with a side order of lobster mac & cheese.
Best friends in boxing:
Jordan Mccorry and Paul Muirhead. Other sportsman you would like to be:
Floyd Mayweather. He never took any damage and retired on his terms with plenty of money.
Last film/tv show you saw:
I’ve been watching the American version of The Office again. Michael Scott is one of the best TV characters ever created!
Who would play you in a film of your life:
Will Ferrell. It’d need to be a comedy film!
Have you ever been starstruck:
No, even though I’ve met Floyd Mayweather, Anthony Joshua, Marco Antonio Barrera and Sugar Ray Leonard. Mayweather was probably the closest I’ve come to being starstruck.
Last time you cried:
Every time I watch [comedy film]
Step Brothers I cry with laughter!
Best advice received:
To turn professional. I was going to quit boxing after the amateurs, but [trainer] Peter Harrison convinced me to give the pros a try.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t think I’m famous enough for people to start rumours about me!
Something not many people know about you:
I’ve had three knee operations. I had to stop playing football because of it, and that’s when I started boxing.