ST HELENS middleweight Martin Murray makes his return to the ring on Friday night in Liverpool in his first bout since changing his mind about hanging up his gloves.

The four-time World title contender takes on Portuguese champion Rui Manuel Pavanito, who has a record of 10-8-1, 5 KOs, on a massive MTKFightNight event at the Liverpool Olympia.

The event , which features Jazza Dickens facing Nathaniel May for the vacant IBF European featherweight title, is live on ESPN+ and iFL TV.

Murray has been enjoying training for this fight having weighed up plenty since his defeat in Manchester against Hassan N’Dam just before Christmas.

He said: “Everything is going well. I’ve been training really smart and I’m back enjoying boxing again.

“That’s going to show in this fight.

“I re-evaluated a few things over the last few months.

“I never had much luck in my career and it led to me having an unhealthy obsession with winning a world title for a long time. The pressure is off now and I’m happy with training again.

“I’m going to get in there and enjoy it. I’ll be looking to put a good performance in.

“It’s a belter of a card. When I decided to come back I planned on just get on any bill, but then they announced the card and I thought ‘wow it’s a big show with some top fighters on it.’

“Liverpool has an unbelievable crowd and the best fight fans in the world, so I can’t wait to box in front of them. I’m in a good place mentally and physically and I’m excited to return.”