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Beresfield boxer Dan Murray eyes off national title

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Beresfield boxer Dan Murray is happy to embrace the “underdog” tag when he steps into the ring this weekend.

Just like the legendary Rocky Balboa in the fourth instalment of the famous movie franchise, the Hunter Valley southpaw will enter enemy territory, facing local hero Brian Roberts in 10 three-minute rounds at the Hellenic Club Woden, in the ACT, on Saturday 2 April.

However, the owner of C&D’s MMA Boxing Fitness wouldn’t have it any other way in his quest for the MASA Australian crown.

“Everything appears to be against me,” Murray said.

“He’s won the ACT title twice and used to fight in a heavier weight class, so he’s bigger.

“Brian’s also a tall fella with a long reach, he’s a tough dude.

“I know he always comes into his fight fit as well from what I’ve heard.

“But, that’s okay.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“As long as I stick to what I’ve been training to do, and listen to my coach Tony O’Meley, I feel I’ll be alright – and come away with a victory.”

Murray has already captured the NSW super middleweight (76kg) belt, however that’s all in the past.

“I won that just over a year ago,” he said.

“So, it’s been a little while since that fight.

“I fought a Sydney rival, who was more experienced, on that occasion but I was fortunate enough to win.

“It was a goal that I’d set myself.

“And, I reached it.

“Now, this fight is my next goal – I’m just taking things step by step.”

Murray had plenty of praise for his mentor O’Meley, who trained his son – Cessnock’s Troy O’Meley – to an Australian super welterweight championship in 2020.

“We have a great relationship,” he said.

“He took me under his wing the first time we met.

“I wouldn’t be in this position without him.

“So, I’m keen to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“I haven’t missed a day’s training, including throughout (COVID-19) lockdown.

“I train every day – even at home.

“I love doing it [training] anyway.

“But, this bout had definitely helped me keep my focus.

“Of course, it would be great to win a national title.

“However, I wouldn’t carry on too much about it – everyone says I’m not out there, I’m not flamboyant like other boxers.

“I guess that’s just me.

“I’d be happy to tick another box on my list of goals.”

A former amateur pugilist for seven years, Murray only returned to the sport in 2019.

“I went over to MMA (mixed martial arts) for a while,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Even though I never competed, I just learnt different styles.

“Then I opened my gym at Beresfield – and got the fire in my belly to fight again.

“I’m also training a lot of youngsters [here].

“It’s great, they bring new energy to the fitness centre.

“We have a really tight-knit crew; we all train hard, we all push each other.

“But, at the same time, we have a lot of fun.

“They seem very excited about the upcoming fight in the ACT.

“So, I’m feeding off their energy.

“It definitely helps.”

Although boxing is usually seen as an individual sport, Murray admits he has a great team around him.

“I’d really like to thank my beautiful family – wife Jen and gorgeous daughters Abbey and Olivia,” he said.

“They’ve always got my back and supported me.

“So, too, have my mum, dad and sister.

“One thing that does help me greatly is I get to train with my best friend Brendan Ninness every day.

“He only took up the sport about two years ago.

“However, he’s really pushed himself to learn how to hold the pads, for example, and help train me.

“So, full credit to him as well as Tony (O’Meley).

“I also really appreciate the support of my sponsors Joel Squires (Jim’s Building Inspections), Doug Kuru (Mana Concrete), Dan Rugg (Dan Rugg Earthmoving), Reece Thompson (Reece Thompson Real Estate), Jason Anderson (Anderson’s Wall and Floor Tiling), Thomas Ekin (Praxis Civil), Billy Sales (2EZY Landscaping) and Ben and Jason Cox (Imsprint).

“We’re all local guys looking out for each other, which I’m very thankful for.”

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