Knockout performance by Sapphire Academy of Sport boxer Murray

Appearing on the same fight card as professional boxer Robbie Porter, of Armidale, Saturday's event was hosted by Kingscliff Boxing Stables.

Training under the guidance of Sapphire Academy of Sport (SAS) manager Darren Finn for the past three months, Murray knew BoxingMania 8 would be a high calibre event.

As someone who likes to spar hard, Finn wasn't keen on Murray jumping in the ring to spar other SAS fighters in preparation for the fight.

"I'm not a fan of us hurting each other in sparring. We went to Armidale so he could get in a few rounds with Robbie Porter before the event but he didn't spar much so we didn't know how he'd cope," Finn said.

Up against an equally-skilled fighter from the host's gym, Kingscliff, Murray showcased his power as soon as the fight started.

Both throwing volume punches in round one, it looked like the bout could swing either way until Murray landed a powerful left hook that ended in a standing eight count. His opponent recovered but was stunned.

Finn described the second round much the same, his opponent landing more shots but Murray setting up for the powerful counter left hooks.

Another standing eight count was given to Murray's opponent in round two.

"After the second round I told Rob to throw more overhand rights, to line him up and it would do the trick. Half was through the round, the guy was picking his shots because Rob was just waiting for an opportunity rather than creating one.

"I started yelling for him to throw more volume punches and he landed one good overhand right which hit flush and that was the end of the fight," Finn said.

A knockout in the third round awarded Murray the win. Finn said he felt bad for Murray's opponent going down by knockout.

"But it is the nature of the game. They both had the same skill base but Rob was just so powerful, more than I had even realised. He was over the moon too when he'd won, to win on this spectacle in his first fight was a rare moment."

Another SAS fighter coming off a knockout victory in his last fight, Rod Prentis will be stepping back in the ring on Saturday at the Gold Coast for Karnage

Finn's son Kaden will join Prentis on the fight card for his first amateur bout. Karnage will take place at Kirra Sports Club.

SAS fighters have had a huge year full of training, sweat and hard work that has definitely paid off.

"I'd like to put it to luck but these boys train hard. I want to thank Jobs Australia Enterprises for the ongoing support and my fighters for giving me the opportunity to train them. They're like my second family," Finn said.