Promoter Ricky Hatton believes Martin Murray can become his first world champion when the unbeaten St Helens fighter challenges Felix Sturm for the WBA middleweight title on Friday night.

Murray, 29, takes on German superstar Sturm in Mannheim rated as the rank outsider.

He will aim to go one better than domestic rival Matthew Macklin managed in June, when the Birmingham boxer looked to have beaten Sturm over 12 rounds only to lose a controversial decision.

And Hatton, whose promotional venture continues to grow at an impressive rate, believes Murray can provide a landmark victory.

The popular former two-weight world champion said: "I feel Martin Murray can become my first world champion.

"Apart from his obvious talent he's in his prime, hungry, fresh with very few miles on the clock. This is the right fight at the right time."

Sturm (36-2-1, 15KO wins) represents a daunting challenge on home turf, particularly against a fighter as inexperienced as Murray (23-0, 10KOs).

But the British and Commonwealth champion - who only won the domestic belt in his last fight - believes he can exploit holes in Sturm's armour.

"I watched Sturm's defence against Macklin and made it a draw," he said.

"When it is that close the champion on home soil usually gets the decision and there could be no real complaints."