Martin Murray hopes fourth time is charm in title shot vs. Arthur Abraham

Martin Murray has challenged for world titles three times, and on each occasion, he's come up short.

First there was the draw against Felix Sturm in a bout most felt the Brit won. Then there was the challenge of Sergio Martinez, another decision that didn't go Murray's way, but one that probably should have.

Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) challenged for a middleweight strap a third time earlier this year, though this one couldn't be debated. Gennady Golovkin dished out a beating on Murray, but he was brave, going 11 rounds. He's since moved up to super middleweight and will battle Arthur Abraham for the WBO title Saturday (3 p.m. ET, AWE) in the champ's backyard of Germany.

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"Abraham is a great champion and I'm expecting a tough fight but I just feel that the timing is right for me (to finally win a title)," said Murray, BoxingJunkie's No. 10 168-pounder. "I think my first world title fight against Sturm may have come a little bit too early. I jumped straight from domestic to world level, so even though there was an argument to say I won that fight, I think it came too soon for me.

"Against Martinez, I knew I could win but going into the fight there were still some doubts. Whereas this time, I know I have it within me to win. I've got the ring experience, I've got the knowhow, and I really feel, despite being in Germany, I'm going to get a fair crack of the whip."

Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) is best known for his participation in the Super Six boxing tourney, where he was soundly defeated by Carl Froch, Andre Ward and Andre Dirrell. The 35-year-old uses an effective peek-a-boo style defense, and has defended his title successfully twice this year. But Murray is the fresher fighter and better athlete.

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"We've been studying Arthur carefully and I believe I've got him beat," said Murray, 33. "He is a great fighter, but he's not changed his style in years, and in my opinion, he's not evolved. It's going to be a tough fight but I know it is well within me to win. I won't be leaving Germany without the title."

If Abraham wins, he could go on to a big-money fight with Bernard Hopkins in what the 50-year-old is calling his farewell fight. Either way, the former middleweight beltholder says his dream is to unify the super middleweight division.

''At this stage of my career, I don't want to fight any easy opponents,'' said Abraham. ''I need fights that will motivate me, and that is why we chose Murray. … He has challenged for world titles before and against Sturm, Martinez and especially Golovkin he has already boxed three world-class opponents. I know this is a dangerous fight and that has given me the motivation I need.

"If I lose this fight, my dream will be shattered. I cannot not let this happen. It will be a tough fight, but in my current condition, Murray can't hold a candle to me, and on Saturday night, there will be only one outcome!''