AT one stage Martin Murray feared the Covid-19 pandemic would finish his career, but as he approaches his fifth World title challenge he believes it may have just extended it.
That is one slither of a silver lining for Murray in what he accepts has been a dark, dismal cloud hanging over everyone this year.
Although going in as the massive underdog, the popular St Helens fighter takes on WBO Super-Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders on Friday at The SSE Arena, Wembley.
The 38-year-old believes getting this fight set up has stopped the year becoming a boxing write-off, after initially seeing the pandemic flatten all of his big plans.
Murray said: “At the start of the year, I was training flat out because there was talk of a fight in America and also for the European title, and then Covid happened.
"This has been a shocking year for everyone. But a couple of months ago, I was thinking Covid has ruined a lot of lives this year and it has probably also ruined my career.
Martin Murray. Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“I really thought I might end up calling it a day because I didn't know when boxing was going to start up again.
“I thought if it was 2021, then I would be a year or two older and just thought it was going to finish my career.
“But I have always believed in myself and that there is always hope. And instead of finishing my career it is going to end up making it.
“I truly believe that – and it would be nice to finish the year with a positive.”
There will be more big fight Billy Joe Saunders v Martin Murray build up this evening and tomorrow.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here