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Macklin (file photo). Gregory Payan/AP/Press Association Images
Contender

VIDEO: Macklin back to winning ways with first round stoppage

The Irish middleweight ruthlessly disposed of Joachim Alcine inside three minutes in Las Vegas last night.

MATTHEW MACKLIN PRODUCED a devastating first round demolition of Joachim Alcine to firmly establish himself back among the top middleweights in the world.

It was a sensational performance from the ‘Tipperary Tornado’, who had his opponent on the floor twice before the referee waved a halt to fight after 2.36 of the very first round.

In the build up to the fight Macklin (29-4-19KO) had stated that a dazzling display would help set up another shot at the world crown and boy did the former European champion deliver such a performance.

Making his Las Vegas debut, the 30 year-old made a mockery of claims that this fight would be a steep career obstacle. Having previously lost in his two world title challenges, the latest coming against Sergio Martinez, Macklin and his team knew this was a must win match up. From the very first bell, Macklin took control of the centre of the ring and established a hard, fast jab into the face of the former WBA junior middleweight champion.

It was from behind a double jab that Macklin exploded a massive overhand right to the side of his Canadian based opponent and sent him crashing to the canvas. The fight was practically over as a contest when the beautifully timed shot connected flush with his rival, it was a punch that Alcine never saw coming.

The 36-year old former world champion showed great courage to even beat the count but it was bravery that was to be rewarded with more punishment. Macklin smelt blood and jumped all over Alcine, landing a flurry of punches close up to send the veteran to the floor for a second time.

With his rival in deep trouble Macklin clinically applied the finish as he pinned his stricken foe against the ropes and unloaded a barrage of punches that left referee Jay Nady with no option but to call a halt to the proceedings with 24 seconds left of the opening round.

The Irishman, appearing on American soil for the 4th time, produced the type of fight that fans worldwide love to see. It was a performance that will have boosted his chances of landing another tilt at the world championship.

Macklin had hoped to put on a dazzling show – he accomplished that and more. Having entered the Thomas and Mack Centre to the strains of ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’, the tough Macklin will hope that his road to a world title fight will now be a smooth one after reaffirming his reputation as one of the most exciting boxers in his division today.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtmwgr_2012-09-15-matthew-macklin-vs-joachim-alcine_sport

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