"First day of sparring after returning! Trying to get active. Lerone Murphy, how's it going, buddy? Can't let these guys have fun without us," wrote the American on social media, addressing the Brit.
Murphy posted a response, but not specifically to Sterling, rather to all potential opponents challenging him.
"The whole division gathered like women. They shout my name all day long. Sounds cool — until you feel it yourself."
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Ferguson is confident he would have handled Makhachev in his prime