15 rounds with Rohan Murdock

By Anthony Cocks

World-rated super middleweight Rohan ‘No Mercy’ Murdock is living the dream. The Perth-born 27-year-old lives on the Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast and enjoys the lifestyle synonymous with the ‘bronzed Aussie’ stereotype: beaches, sun and a year-round outdoor lifestyle.

With a clean-cut look, affable personality and the body of an Adonis, Murdock is a promoter’s dream. It doesn’t hurt that he can box a bit and is the current WBO number five contender either. Murdock made his professional debut in his hometown of the Gold Coast, Australia in 2010, defeating John Noctor by first-round knockout. He suffered his first and only loss against Steven Moxon in his third pro bout the following year, dropping a majority decision in a fight that taught him as much as any win. Since the loss, he has compiled 22 consecutive victories with 15 of them coming via knockouts.

Trained by Chris Carden out of the Platinum Boxing Club and promoted by DDP Sports, Murdock is expected to spearhead a hometown card in June as he pushes him claim for world championship honours.

Keep your gloves up and your chin down as we go 15 rounds with MJA Platinum’s Rohan Murdock.

1. What attracted you to boxing in the first place? 

MURDOCK: I was first attracted to boxing after watching the Rocky films as a youngster. I would try to emulate their training and styles. I started boxing as a hobby with mates when I was 10 years old and instantly fell in love with sport. 

2. Toughest fight in the amateurs or pros?  

MURDOCK: Competing at world championships as an amateur I came up against the toughest competitors in the world. As a professional I would say my toughest fight was going 10 rounds with the durable Russian Apti Ustarkhanov for the WBO oriental title, who pushed the fight to the final bell. 

3. Biggest puncher you’ve faced?

MURDOCK: I can’t pinpoint one specific opponent, as a kid I was always stepping up in sparring and fights with the adults. That’s when I felt their power the most. 

4. What are the best and worst thing about being a boxer?

MURDOCK: I personally enjoy the fitness and lifestyle of a fighter. Worst thing would have to be the politics and it’s a sport that doesn’t last forever.

5. What is your most defining win of your career?

MURDOCK: I believe it was my first major title, winning the WBO Asia Pacific against ex-world champion Manny Siaca. However, I believe my most defining moment is yet to come, which will be fighting and winning the world title. 

6. What are your goals for the next 12 months? 

MURDOCK: To be as active as possible, stepping up opposition and hopefully the opportunity arises for the world title fight. 

7. What are some your hobbies away from the ring?

MURDOCK: I live on the Gold Coast, so I love the beaches, surfing, sun and anything outdoors really.

8. Who is always ringside for you fights? 

MURDOCK: I have a very supportive family and group of mates who always make the effort to come

support every show.

9. Who has been biggest influence on your career?

MURDOCK: My coach Chris Carden, with his passion and drive for the sport. He treats all his fighters like family and we do the same back. 

10. What fight have you learnt the most from?

MURDOCK: My only loss as a professional was when I was 18. From this fight I learnt to never take an opponent lightly and treat every preparation like your fighting for the world title. 

11. What is something our readers would be surprised to learn about you? 

MURDOCK: They don’t know for a reason ;) 

12. Do you have any superstitions or rituals you follow in the lead-up to fight night?

MURDOCK: I don’t really believe in superstitions. Just train hard, enjoy yourself and get the job done!

13. What is your favourite post-fight feed?

MURDOCK: Pasta

14. Why would we find you when you’re away from the gym?

MURDOCK: On one of the Gold Coasts beautiful beaches.

15. If you weren’t boxing, what would you be doing?

MURDOCK: Honestly, I’m blessed to have found my passion at such a young age and be able to pursue it. It has been my life; I’m not sure what I would be doing without it.