For boxing enthusiasts the middleweight clash between Martin Murray and Jarod Fletcher is an early treat in the boxing calendar when it takes place in Monaco this February. Murray is by far the bookmakers’ favourite, with some placing him as short as 1/16 to win the WBA title. But how does Murray get to the peak of his physical condition to make him such a formidable boxer, and the odds on favourite?
Murray is renowned for his speed, agility and hard hitting, leading to the odds on him knocking Fletcher out in the first 5 rounds being 5/7. But it is the work Murray puts in during the build up to his fights that make him such a dominant figure inside the ring. Murray, heralding from St Helens, United Kingdom, uses different training techniques to ensure that his strength and fitness are at their optimum come fight night. He tends to stay away from lifting heavy weights during the build up to the fight, concentrating more on his core strength and stamina. Boxers must be able to last the full 12 rounds, so Murray uses tough running plans, including 6 minute miles, 100m and 80m sprints, and incline hill running. His core strength comes from intense circuit training, involving press-ups, sit-ups and squats, along with sparring and pad sessions. His circuits usually last around 2 and a half hours, partnered with around 90 minutes worth of running. Murray is a family man, so he still gives himself 2 days a week off to spend time with his wife and children to enjoy himself and recuperate. Even though he is the huge favourite due to the hard work and training he puts in, everyone loves the underdog and some punters would fancy Fletcher at 8/1 – something the Rocky movies exploited shrewdly, and which is also why JackpotCity mobile casino games game inspired by these movies has become such a hit with boxing fans.
Rocky is a slots game created as a spin-off from the perennially beloved movie franchise has established itself as one of the most popular boxing themed video slots games on the casino market. It takes the movie element seriously, fitting all of the key boxers that Rocky took on and defeated during the film series while also featuring one of the most impressive jackpots of any casino slots game. That jackpot, of $200,000 means that Rocky is likely to be an appealing gaming option even for those with only a mild interest in boxing.