Wednesday 7 October 2015 17:15, UK
Martin Murray will challenge WBO super-middleweight champion Arthur Abraham in Hannover on November 21.
The St Helens fighter (32-2-1-KO15) stepped up a division after three near misses in middleweight world title fights and with three tune-up wins at his new weight-class under his belt, is back in at the top level against Abraham (43-4-KO29).
He said: "I was shocked when Arthur agreed to the fight, it's one he didn't have to take so must be confident but I am at my natural weight now and believe on November 21 I will become world champion.
"It's the fight that I targeted when I chose to move up to super-middleweight and it's one that I am confident of winning. I know that Arthur is a great champion and a tough man to beat on his home patch, but my trainer Oliver Harrison and I both believe that we have the formula to take his title.
It's the fight that I targeted when I chose to move up to super-middleweight and it's one that I am confident of winning.
"I have never been afraid to travel to fight for World titles and this occasion will be no different; I expect lots of Brits to travel to Germany and it will be a fantastic atmosphere and a great fight for the fans in the Arena and watching on Sky Sports and Sat.1."
Abraham said of his next challenger: 'He has challenged for world titles three times before and on two of those occasion he should of won.
"He is a very deserving challenger and I think it will be a good fight. That is what the public want to see - the best fighting the best - and that is what they will see on November 21 in Hannover.''
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "It's a big jump compared to his last two fights but it's not when you compare it to the rest of his CV.
I feel Abraham and the Sauerlands have made a bit of a mistake - I really think Murray will beat Abraham
"It's probably come one fight quicker than I would have expected and although the Abraham fight seemed to be a fight the public and Martin were calling for, it wasn't necessarily top of my list. It's tough going to Germany.
"The opportunity presented itself and there was no stopping Martin Murray. He has to take this opportunity. I think it's a very winnable fight but a tough fight.
"I feel like Abraham and the Sauerlands have made a bit of a mistake. I think they've looked at this voluntary defence as a clever piece of match-making and I think it'll backfire on them, so I'm going to have a lot of fun with Kalle on this one.
"Martin really has the bit between his teeth. It'll be the same night as Darleys Perez v Anthony Crolla so it's a massive double-header on Sky Sports and it's a brilliant fight for the division.
"I really feel Martin Murray will beat Arthur Abraham. I felt when we signed Martin that he hadn't been built properly in the UK. The plan was to build him and have a big fight in the UK but then I spoke to Kalle and this opportunity came up and you have to be ready.
"Financially, it's not the best for him but Martin has had some great pay days. This is more about trying to become world champion and I believe Abraham has the perfect style for Murray. I really think Murray is a favourite going in to the fight."
The 35-year-old Abraham made back-to-back defences of his title against Paul Smith in 2014 and early 2015 and was most recently in action in July, halting long-time rival Robert Stieglitz in six rounds.
