ALEX Murphy has expressed he is ready for a ‘step up’ in competition as he edges closer to fighting for a Central Area title.
The British lightweight prospect is coming off an impressive performance against Dan Booth last December, marking his Liverpool debut with an eight-round shutout on the scorecards.
On February 21, Murphy takes on Rajesh Kumar in his hometown of Bolton, where he will attempt to extend his unbeaten record to 13-0.
“It’s going to be a tough fight,” Murphy told Boxing News Online.
“It’s a step up. But I feel like I’m ready for that now. My last opponent, Dan Booth, although he was six and six, was also a step up. We knew he was coming to win and give it a good go.
“These are the fights I want. Rajesh Kumar is going to do the same thing. I think it will bring out the best in me. I’m happy to be getting in with these types of guys now and just testing myself.”
Now in his fifth year as a professional boxer, ‘Super’ Alex Murphy realises the expectation to take on better quality opponents is higher.
Murphy made his debut in 2021 against Ricky Leach, winning a four-round decision.
Murphy continued: “There’s always pressure, especially with being undefeated. I feel like every time I win, the next fight just adds that little bit more pressure because I’m defending the O.
“I don’t really think about the pressure. In my head, it’s just a fight. I need to go out there and do what I need to do as usual. It’s just another one, as long as I go in there, perform well, and input everything I’ve worked on in training.
“If I can replicate it in the ring and try to enjoy myself then I’ll be happy. That is what I’m going to show on February 21.
“It’s just going to be a case of using everything we’ve worked on for the last fight and putting it into practice on fight night. Then, I’ll come away victorious with another win under my belt.”
Murphy will face Kumar on a Conlan Boxing show after previously appearing on three Wasserman Boxing cards and a Black Flash Promotions show.
“Once you get past the 10-0 mark, that’s when you often start coming into title contention. I think these fights against Dan Booth and Rajesh Kumar are the ones that show what level you’re at and whether you’re ready for those title fights.
“The plan will be to win the Central Area title, fight another opponent who is filtering around the English title level and if I can get through that, we will go for the English title.
“It’s just about picking the right opponents at the right time, not skipping levels in this game and doing it that way. There’s not going to be any easy fights for where I’m at and where I want to go.
“I’ve got to be beating these guys and I’ve got to fight these guys to get the title I want. I am fine with the opposition constantly stepping up because I feel like that’s going to bring out the best in me.”
The 23-year-old admitted he was not active enough in 2024, only fighting twice.
However, Murphy believes the inactivity allowed him to resolve problems outside of the ring while honing his craft in the gym.
“I reflect positively. The activity wasn’t ideal but there were two good wins under my belt – a six-rounder and then an eight-rounder. The new management was a positive thing for me as well. It was an exciting thing, so I’ve got the ball rolling.
“It’s set me up for the perfect 2025. I’m only taking positives away from it. I’ve gained great experience and even though I only had two fights, I was still in the gym for the whole of 2024.
“I’ve still been learning and been getting quality sparring. So it’s just been a year of development.
“I showed all the development in my last fight in December and I’m just going to carry that over into 2025 and just show people I keep improving and that I’m ready for those title fights.”
According to Murphy, a Central Area title shot was available straight away in 2025, yet his team advised him to have another bout first.
“The Central Area is something that I have wanted since last year. We didn’t know whether to do it as the first one this year or have another fight. My last fight was my first eight-rounder which would have set me up nicely to fight for a Central Area title.
“In 2025, it was a question of ‘do we go straight into a Central Area title fight or do we get another eight-rounder under our belt?’ I’m in such a good position because I’m so young.
“It was my coach Brian [Gardner] who said he’d prefer me to get more experience, get another eight-rounder in, and then fight for the Central Area title.”
