Gloves off as Murray prepares for Roddick bout

Andy Murray, the focus of frenzied media attention as he bids to end Britain's long wait for a men's champion at Wimbledon, has been watching clips of boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr to distract him from the furore.

Murray faces Andy Roddick in his first Wimbledon semi-final on Friday with the British press devoting endless column inches to his chances of becoming the first men's home champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

"I actually watched a few boxing clips on YouTube, watched a bit of Floyd Mayweather Jr," Murray told the BBC when asked about how he escaped from the blanket coverage.

"He's had a bad rib injury, but is coming back soon which should be good."

Points victory or knockout blow, Murray will hope the undefeated five division world champion can provide him with the inspiration to overcome big-serving Roddick and earn a spot against Roger Federer or Tommy Haas in Sunday's final.