British super-middleweight Martin Murray has failed in his fourth attempt to win a world title, suffering a split-decision defeat to WBO champion Arthur Abraham.
Murray hurt his opponent in the eighth round, but Abraham was awarded verdicts of 116-111 and 115-112, while the third judge scored it 115-112 in Murray's favour.
After world title setbacks against Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin, Murray had been hoping to finally achieve success on the biggest stage against the solid, durable Abraham, and the St Helens fighter began the bout boxing to a gameplan and enjoying some success.
Abraham improved during the middle rounds, using his trademark guard to great effect, and after seven sessions, he had probably edged ahead.
Murray, however, was not finished, and a strong right hand had Abraham clinging to the rope to buy himself some time, and while a stoppage never looked likely, it showed that the veteran could be hurt.
Abraham came through that minor crisis with flying colours, however, and he appeared to control the championship rounds, with Murray also having a point deducted for holding.
The British fighter pushed in the final three minutes but Abraham negotiated the threat well, and he probably did just enough to deserve to keep his belt.
Darren Plant
