Alex Murphy says he feels a significant boost in confidence despite his recent defeat to Khaleel Majid on April 5th.
The Majid-Murphy bout was the opening fight of the Heavy Impact event at Manchester`s Co-op Live Arena. Broadcast live on DAZN, it was an English title eliminator that turned into a ten-round battle.
Murphy, considered the underdog, fought competitively throughout the match. The 24-year-old boxer improved his standing in the sport even in defeat, performing on the undercard of the high-profile Joe Joyce vs Filip Hrgovic fight.
Murphy mentioned, “Many people told my manager and coach they didn`t expect me to last even four rounds, some predicting I wouldn`t make it past the second. Considering the expectations on paper, those were fair assumptions. However, I believe I proved them wrong. I was very confident in my ability to win, so losing is always disappointing when you have such high self-belief.”
“It`s disappointing I couldn`t secure the victory, but this fight proves I can compete at this level. This experience has given me a huge confidence boost, and I am sure I will perform even better in my next fight.”
Both fighters entered the ring undefeated, but Majid was ranked higher and was anticipated to win decisively.
However, the judges` scorecards showed a close contest, with Majid winning by scores of 96-95, 96-94, and 97-94.
Murphy believes he surprised his opponent. “I think I surprised him because he was expected to easily defeat me. He probably wasn`t as pleased with his performance as expected.”
“Even though I lost, I think I gained more respect. I might have even earned more credit in defeat than Khaleel did in victory.”
“He had an impressive amateur background, winning national championships multiple times. My amateur career was average, nothing remarkable.”
“Now, I`m in close fights with talented boxers like Khaleel. This puts me on the same level as him, showing my capabilities and potential.”
Despite the loss, Murphy watched the fight replay the following day and acknowledged Majid as the deserved winner.
“Immediately after the fight, I didn`t think I had won. I am very critical of myself. Even though it was a close fight, I wouldn`t assume I won because I am very hard on my own performance.”
“After eight rounds, I felt it was even, four rounds each. I believe he won the last two rounds. The ninth was very close, but he definitely won the tenth, so I think the right decision was made.”
Murphy, originally from Salford, thinks the final rounds were his downfall as Majid, being naturally larger, began to use his size to his advantage.
Additionally, Murphy, who started his professional career at 135 lbs, found it difficult to hurt his opponent.
“My strategy of staying close and outworking him was effective initially. However, in the later rounds, he cleverly leaned on me, using his weight to disrupt my tactics.”
“Looking back is easy. It`s about what you do in the ring that matters. I need to acknowledge my achievements and learn from my mistakes.”
Majid also impressed Murphy with his stamina and determination.
“Before the fight, I questioned if he had the same heart and fitness as me.”
“We both fought on the same card five weeks prior. I watched his six-round fight and thought he appeared tired. I thought in a ten-round fight against someone with my pace, he would struggle. He proved me wrong; he maintained the pace and showed great heart.”
Before fighting Majid, Murphy had appeared on shows promoted by Wasserman Boxing, Conlan Boxing, and Black Flash Promotions. However, this was his first time boxing live on DAZN and being part of such a major event.
“I was as nervous as I’ve ever been before a fight. But I’ve worked hard to reach this stage. It wasn`t given to me; I earned it through hard work, and I felt like I belonged there. It was my time to shine.”
“Because I have strong self-belief, I feel like these are the platforms I should be on. It was a great experience walking out with cameras in my face and being in the corner as my name was announced.”
Unfortunately, Murphy and Majid clashed heads in the final 20 seconds of the fight, resulting in a significant cut over Murphy’s left eye, which will prevent him from sparring for a month.
Despite this, ‘Super’ Alex Murphy confirmed he plans to return to the 135 lbs lightweight division after this fight.
“I’m a bigger lightweight but maybe a smaller light-welterweight. I felt in the later rounds when Khaleel leaned on me, his strength was a bit too much.”
“I spoke with my nutritionist today, and he is confident I can make 135 lbs. Given the day-before weigh-ins, I have plenty of time to recover and rehydrate. Going back to lightweight seems to be the plan now to see what opportunities arise. But I loved being on the big stage in a significant fight, and I want more experiences like this.”
