MATTHEW MACKLIN WARNED world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez to be “ready for war” when the two meet on 17 March.
Promoters confirmed yesterday that Macklin will face Martinez, widely regarded as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, on a special St Patrick’s Day card in New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre.
Limerick’s Andy Lee was also announced as one half of the evening’s main undercard event. Lee is still waiting for confirmation of his opponent though former Olympian Giovanni Lorenzo now appears favourite to land the high-profile fight, which will be broadcast live on HBO.
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The Martinez fight will be Macklin’s first outing since he was denied the WBA Super Middleweight title in a controversial split-decision defeat against Felix Sturm last summer.
At 36, the Argentinian is seven years Macklin’s senior, and while the Tipperary native is full of respect for a more experienced campaigner, he feels those extra years will help him dethrone the champion.
“Sergio is going to have to be ready,” Macklin said yesterday. “I am coming forward all night and I am coming for war. I am very very confident that I will be leaving the ring on 17 March as the new champion.”
I’m going to war right from round one and I have the youth, strength, size and desire to walk through anything Sergio has. I will go through walls on St. Patrick’s Day to win this fight and I’ll set a pace from the very first bell that Sergio won’t be able to cope with.
Respect
“I have tons of respect for what Sergio has achieved and the way he conducts himself outside of the ring,” Macklin added. “He is an excellent athlete and almost universally regarded as the best boxer on the planet outside of Mayweather and Pacquiao, but I’ve always believed in myself and said I belong at this level.”
“My goal is to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and 17 March is another step in that direction,” said Martinez. “Macklin is a very tough opponent and I know that he will make for a very exciting fight at Madison Square Garden.”
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, promoter Lou di Bella promised an “electric” atmosphere in Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day, a feeling echoed by Andy Lee.
“My fans in New York are already very excited about the event,” Lee said, welcoming di Bella’s guarantee that he will get his own world title shot this year.
I want to challenge for and win a world title in 2012, so hopefully this fight will open doors for me to move closer to my goal and land me a title shot. The fight being on St. Patrick’s Day will be a big night for the Irish and there should be a full house at the venue.
Macklin: I'll go through walls to knock Martinez out
MATTHEW MACKLIN WARNED world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez to be “ready for war” when the two meet on 17 March.
Promoters confirmed yesterday that Macklin will face Martinez, widely regarded as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, on a special St Patrick’s Day card in New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre.
Limerick’s Andy Lee was also announced as one half of the evening’s main undercard event. Lee is still waiting for confirmation of his opponent though former Olympian Giovanni Lorenzo now appears favourite to land the high-profile fight, which will be broadcast live on HBO.
The Martinez fight will be Macklin’s first outing since he was denied the WBA Super Middleweight title in a controversial split-decision defeat against Felix Sturm last summer.
At 36, the Argentinian is seven years Macklin’s senior, and while the Tipperary native is full of respect for a more experienced campaigner, he feels those extra years will help him dethrone the champion.
“Sergio is going to have to be ready,” Macklin said yesterday. “I am coming forward all night and I am coming for war. I am very very confident that I will be leaving the ring on 17 March as the new champion.”
Respect
“I have tons of respect for what Sergio has achieved and the way he conducts himself outside of the ring,” Macklin added. “He is an excellent athlete and almost universally regarded as the best boxer on the planet outside of Mayweather and Pacquiao, but I’ve always believed in myself and said I belong at this level.”
“My goal is to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and 17 March is another step in that direction,” said Martinez. “Macklin is a very tough opponent and I know that he will make for a very exciting fight at Madison Square Garden.”
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, promoter Lou di Bella promised an “electric” atmosphere in Madison Square Garden on St Patrick’s Day, a feeling echoed by Andy Lee.
“My fans in New York are already very excited about the event,” Lee said, welcoming di Bella’s guarantee that he will get his own world title shot this year.
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Andy Lee Fight Club Lou di Bella Madison Square Garden Theatre Matthew Macklin Sergio Martinez WBC Diamond