Alex Murphy is preparing for what he describes as the ‘biggest fight of his career’ on April 5th in Manchester. This English title eliminator bout is a crucial step forward for the boxer.
Murphy will face Khaleel Majid, another undefeated British prospect, as part of the ‘Heavy Impact’ event at the Co-op Live Arena. The card also features prominent fighters such as Joe Joyce, Lawrence Okolie vs Richard Riakporhe, and David Adeleye vs Jeamie Tshikeva.
“This fight is like my world title,” Murphy stated. “It’s the most important fight of my career, and I’m approaching it with a do-or-die mentality. Winning this fight opens up incredible opportunities.”
“This is a pivotal moment for my career. A victory here is like hitting the jackpot in terms of career progression.”
While the immediate prize is a shot at the English super lightweight title, there’s a bigger potential reward. An impressive win could attract the attention of promoter Frank Warren, possibly leading to a promotional contract.
Both Murphy and Majid have previously fought under banners like Conlan Boxing and Wasserman Boxing but are yet to secure a long-term deal with a major UK promoter.
Murphy added, “If I win, I’ll be a 23-year-old with a strong fanbase and a promising future. Beating Khaleel Majid will prove I’m a serious contender, not just someone who sells tickets. I’ll demonstrate I can win significant fights.”
“That’s my driving force right now. It fuels my hunger and determination. Winning this fight, securing a multi-fight deal with Frank Warren – that would set me up perfectly.”
Despite both boxers being from the Greater Manchester area – Murphy from Salford and Majid from Bolton – they have never sparred or interacted before.
“I first became aware of him last year when he sparred at my gym, but not with me. Another coach, Haroon Hedley, was training his fighters there at the time.”
“I was in the gym during a rest week after a fight, doing some coaching. I watched him spar one day because his coach, Buddy McGirt, was also present.”
“I was impressed with his style. He’s a good boxer, very neat and tidy, and in some ways, his style is similar to mine. He’s tall, has a long reach, and boxes effectively.”
“That was my first time seeing him. I checked his record on Boxrec and saw he was highly rated. I was surprised I hadn’t heard of him before. Then, he was on the same fight card as me in my last fight.”
A week before their separate wins on February 21st, Murphy had already agreed to fight Majid.
In his last fight, Murphy improved his record to 13-0 with a points victory over Rajesh Kumar, while Majid headlined the same event, defeating Ramiro Garcia Lopez by unanimous decision to reach 14-0.
“That’s when I received the offer from Frank Warren to fight Khaleel Majid on the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs Joe Joyce.”
“My manager asked my opinion on the fight. I told him and my coach, ‘I’ll fight anyone.’ I’m never one to turn down a fight. I trust my manager and coach to guide my career.”
“So, if they believe it’s a good fight, a good opportunity, and that I can win, then I’m always ready to take it.”
“There are local bragging rights at stake too. He’s from Bolton, and I have strong ties to Bolton. I live in Salford, but I support Bolton Wanderers. Many people see me as a Bolton boxer, and Khaleel is also a Bolton boxer, so there’s definitely Bolton pride on the line.”
Majid’s record arguably includes a more significant win, a stoppage victory over former WBA International Super Lightweight Champion Tom Farrell in 2023.
However, Murphy is confident and eager to secure the most important win of his own career.
“These are our world titles in our world. We’re both going to give it everything, so it has the potential to be a very exciting fight.”
“We’re on a big stage, fighting in a fantastic arena. I’m thrilled to be boxing there.”
“A fight between 14-0 and 13-0 – it’s set up to be incredible. These are the fights I want. These are the fights that motivate me. Just five weeks to go, and I can’t wait.”
