Matthew Macklin is adamant that class will prevail in “The Battle of Brum” at the Aston Arena on Saturday night. Macklin challenges city rival Wayne Elcock for his British Middleweight title in the headline bout on a Hennessy Sports show, which is live on ITV4 from 7:45pm. While both men are avid Birmingham City fans Macklin believes he’ll prove to be a league above the defending champion..
“I think sometimes when you look at local derbies in football they’re always nip and tick affairs early on but the class usually prevails and I believe that will be the case tomorrow night. Wayne’s a good fighter but I believe I’m simply a better one.”
Macklin’s manager, Brian Peters has no doubt that his man has what it takes to lift a Lonsdale belt at the second time of asking having failed in a thrilling bid for Jamie Moore’s British Light Middleweight title back in 2006.
“Matthew learned a very painful lesson that night but I believe that fight will ultimately prove to be a key turning point in his career. Elcock is a decent fighter and just two fights ago he took on Arthur Abraham who’s arguably the best middleweight in the world right now. I believe Matthew’s capable of mixing in that class as well and I think he’ll prove that with a decisive win over Elcock.
“It’s a massive fight for Birmingham and I believe that will bring out the best in Matthew. Elcock’s only had two fights in the last 15 months and I believe that will prove crucial against a strong, hungry fighter like Matthew. He’s been craving this opportunity for a long, long time and I honestly don’t think Elcock will be able to cope with him. He’s been a good champion but it’s Matthew’s time now and I believe we’ll see a changing of the guard tomorrow night.”
An exciting undercard at the Aston Arena, Birmingham on March 14th features heavyweight sensation, Tyson Fury while in the chief support bout Adnan Amar defends his Englsih Welterweight title against Tom Glover. Also in action is Eddie O’Rourke, Chris Male, Quinton Hillocks and Callum Archer. Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
Castle, Johanneson Meet March 20 In London
A thrilling domestic showdown has been added to Ian Napa’s upcoming European title defense on Friday, March 20 at Newham Leisure Centre in London, England as Henry Castle clashes with Carl Johanneson at lightweight.
Castle, 19-4 (11), has moved up the ranks from the bottom, fighting his way through the ranks at lightweight and picking up a few losses along the way. But the man from Salisbury found his stride over the last year and a half, racking up five consecutive victories.
During that streak, the 30 year old has turned back Belfast sharpshooter Kevin O’Hara, rugged Frenchman Frederic Gosset, London hard man Ryan Barrett and the previously unbeaten Lee Cook but it was the ruthless first round crushing of former British and Commonwealth titlist Graham Earl last October that has put Castle in the driver’s seat in his bid for domestic dominance.
For Castle to continue his bid for the British title, he’ll have to face down hard as nails former British super feather champion Carl Johanneson, who returns from a year’s absence to meet Castle in an eight rounder next Friday at Newham LC.
Johanneson, 27-4 (19), fought his first 16 bouts in America before returning home to England in 2004 to wage a very successful campaign at super feather, picking up the British title within two years by stopping Billy Corcoran.
The Leeds veteran then retained the belt with gritty performances over Ricky Burns and Femi Fehintola before mounting a disastrous bid to unseat reigning European champion Leva Kirakosyan, suffering a fourth round KO at the hands of the big punching Armenian.
But Johanneson roared back in a British title fight with Michael Gomez, stopping the former champion in the sixth during an intense firefight before losing the crown in a thriller to Commonwealth king Kevin Mitchell last March.
A year off has refreshed Johanneson and after eight years as a super feather, the 30 year old will try his hand in the lightweight division.
Without question, it’s a tremendously difficult initial test at 135 pounds for Johanneson and this crossroads battle with Castle could provide the winner with a chance to fight for the British title.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents the Bantamweight Championship of Europe as reigning titlist Ian Napa defends against Malik Bouziane along with full undercard support at Newham Leisure Centre in London, England on Friday, March 20, 2009.
Tickets, priced at £80 for Ringside and £35 General Admission, are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
Sky Sports will televise the action live on SS2 at 10PM.