IRELAND’S MATTHEW MACKLIN was beaten by Sergio Martinez by a technical knockout at Madison Square Garden in New York last night.
It was, for the most part, an even fight, however Macklin was knocked down twice by the Argentinian in the 11th round, ultimately forcing the Birmingham-born fighter’s team to withdraw him from the fight.
Speaking on Sky Sports 1, Macklin expressed his disappointment at the loss to the world middleweight champion.
“I thought I had the most momentum, I thought I was in the driver’s seat. Some of the rounds were close but I thought I was dictating.
“I was the one that was boxing to the game plan, and I was taking him out of his.”
Macklin appeared favourite at one stage after his opponent’s glove touched the canvas in round 7, however Martinez subsequently dominated the next few rounds, culminating in his 11th round knockout.
