Martin Murray has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing and will make his debut for his new promoter at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Friday June 26, live on Sky Sports.

Murray will be officially unveiled at a press conference in London on Wednesday where he will discuss his future plans as he boxes in England for the first time since December 2013, and he joins a stellar cast of Merseyside stars as World-rated Super Middleweights Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding face acid tests, with Smith meeting former European champion Christopher Rebrasse and Fielding tackles tough Texan Brian Vera, while Tony Bellew meets the experienced Czech Lubos Suda as he closes in on a mooted autumn World title clash with IBF king Yoan Hernandez.

Murray’s return marks his first action since his gutsy display in Monte Carlo against Middleweight beast Gennady Golovkin. The St Helens man pushing the Kazakh star further than any other opponent he’s faced in his run of World title defences, and the 32 year old is excited about the next chapter in his career as he moves up to Super Middleweight.

“I’m delighted to sign for Matchroom and am so excited about the future with them and Sky Sports,” said Murray. “I’ve been in major fights all over the World against Felix Sturm in Germany, Sergio Martinez in Argentina and Golovkin in France but now I feel it’s time that I had those major fights in the UK.

“I’ve fought the very best at Middleweight and now I’m ready to do the same at 168lbs. It’s a hot division and domestically can throw up some absolute wars. James DeGale did great to capture the World title and I’d love that fight later this year. George Groves is also challenging for a title and again it’s a fight I’d relish.

“I’m excited to return at the Echo Arena on June 26. I’ve never boxed there and it’s not far from my hometown – it’s the beginning of a new journey for me. I’ve always felt I could become a World champion and now under Eddie, Matchroom and Sky Sports I know I will make that dream become reality.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Martin to our team of elite fighters,” said Hearn. “Martin has proved time and again that he is one of the best Middleweights in the world and now I am looking forward to building him further in the UK and being involved in some huge domestic and international fights.

“It all starts on June 26 at the Echo Arena – these are great times for British boxing and I’m so pleased I get the chance to deliver for Martin Murray.”

Murray replaces David Price on the Liverpool bill after the Heavyweight favourite was forced to withdraw from action due to a neck injury.

Tickets for the huge night of action on Merseyside are on sale now with tickets priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 available from the Echo Arena website www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400. VIP tickets at £250 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Matchroom Boxing will donate 96p of every ticket sold to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.