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The 31-year-old Saunders, in his first fight in a year, was too strong and strong for his long-lasting 38-year-old opponent, who was injured multiple times throughout the bout.
Murray fell under a barrage of punches in the fourth round, but appeared to have lost his balance and did not fall.
Saunders, who reiterated his desire for a successful fight with Mexican Saúl Canelo Álvarez, extended his undefeated record to 30-0 to join Josh Warrington as the current British boxer with the longest undefeated streak.
Billy Joe Saunders dominated the fight
(Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing)
Saunders looked to force the problem from the first round and the southpaw jab began to find its target in the second, with Murray struggling to find his range.
The champion looked like the classiest fighter and landed several left hooks to Murray’s body before landing two big left uppercuts in the third round.
Saunders’ superior hand speed was revealing, as his jab pierced Murray’s guard again in the fourth, which he lost comfortably.
Murray had been pushed onto the ropes and found himself on the ground after holding, but was not awarded a fall.
Murray looked hurt early in the fifth, but Saunders slowed down and continued to dominate in the sixth as he made more two-handed combinations.
Saunders caught his man again in the seventh and although Murray increased his work rate in rounds eight and nine, he never bothered the champion.
More body shots and top cuts rained down on Murray in the final rounds as Saunders picked up the pace and continued to hit the target with clean shots from all angles.
“I’ve been out for over a year and it’s like boxing in a graveyard,” Saunders told Sky Sports. “I like to perform for the crowd, get up.
“I tried to pace myself tonight, but he’s a cunning old fox. He knows how to tie you up well.
“It’s not a performance where I’m going to be shouting people’s names because I’ve been out a year and I probably needed the rounds to be honest with you.
“He got over it, it’s fair game with him. I hope he has a good Christmas and can get back to his family.”
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