Methodist College in Belfast is renowned for producing top-class stars in a range of sports, most notably rugby, but professional boxers have not been as plentiful.
Murphy was first drawn to the sweet science through the Rocky films and this prompted him to lace up the gloves.
Although some questioned that choice, national honours as an amateur and a professional have proven his ambitions were far from a pipedream.
“I didn’t have a sport, or a sense of achievement or belonging,” he explained.
“People in my class said, ‘you’ll give it up’ and ‘who do you think you are to do boxing?’.
“I stuck it out and kept up when people said I would quit.”
Murphy, whose most recent win occurred on the BBC Nations Fight Night against Kasimu Hamad Haji in January, does not fit the typical stereotype attributed to boxers.
With a degree in Quantity Surveying and a Masters in Construction Law, many would question why he continues in a tough trade like professional boxing.
Those pathways will be there when he feels it’s time to move on from the sport but there is still plenty to achieve for now.
On Saturday, he predicts his best will beat whatever Pearson can bring to the table and the past experiences of appearing on big fight cards will serve him well on his biggest night to date.
“It’s a huge step up, but taking it in my stride,” he said.
“I’ve done everything I could ask of myself, not even for this fight, but the last three or four. All the hard work I’ve put in over the last year and a half has given me a bit of a confidence boost.
“I’ve got a test on my hands against someone who’s coming in fully anticipating to have that Rocky moment but I’ve prepared for the best version of Luke Pearson. I honestly believe the best version of me beats him easily.”
Read the full article here
