Macklin open to Lee defence

13 August 2009 – By Mark Doyle

Matthew Macklin has reiterated his desire for a mouth-watering middleweight showdown with Andy Lee.

British and Irish titleholder Macklin is currently readying himself for his eagerly-awaited clash with European champion Amin Asikainen, in Manchester on September 25.

However, the Birmingham-based Irishman has revealed that should he emerge victorious, he would be more than happy to defend his title against Limerick native Lee.

“That would be a great fight for Irish boxing fans,” Macklin said. “It would be the biggest all Irish fight for a long, long time and to have a major belt like a European title on the line would make it a massive occasion.

“Andys a good fighter and a decent lad but business is business at the end of the day and if Im European Champion then I think its a fight that makes real sense.

Still, Macklin is refusing to look to far ahead, as he knows that dethroning Asikainen will be far from straightforward.

“A defence in Ireland against Andy Lee would be great but for now Im just concentrating on winning the title,” he insisted.

“Asikainen is a world-class fighter; he first won the European title fight back in 2006 so hes very experienced at this level. Hes currently rated number 4 in the World with the IBF so I know that beating him would put me within touching distance of a shot at the World title.”