Headline NewsPro News

Macklin has his sights set on Lee and Murray clashes

MATTHEW Macklin would welcome much vaunted fights with fellow Irish man Andy Lee and St Helen’s Martin Murray in 2015.

If Macklin sees off Sebastian Heiland in the 3 Arena on Saturday, he’ll be a keen observer as fellow countryman Andy Lee takes on Matt Korobov for the vacant WBO title in Las Vegas on December 13. Macklin rates Lee’s chances against the Russian and hopes that a pair of wins for the Irish duo could lead to a huge domestic clash, while he still has his eyes on St Helens’ Martin Murray.

“Andy has a good chance against Matt,” said Macklin. “Matt is a counterpunching southpaw and quite technical, Andy is a technical boxer too and I think Matt will give Andy time and I think he’s a class act when he has time. It’s not out of the question that Andy can win the fight and him having a World title would be that extra ingredient for a fight between us, which would be a massive fight anyway. I’ll be rooting for Andy for selfish reasons but also for him too as he’s flying the flag for Irish boxing and he’s a good lad too.

“There’s a bit of needle between Martin and I and it’s a fight that has been talked about for a while. We’ve both boxed Sturm and Martinez, he’s proven, well respected and rightly so as am I. I think beating Heiland would put me at number two in the WBC, Martin is number one but he’s got Golovkin next. So down the line, it’s very likely they would sanction a final eliminator. A World title on the line would be great for that fight but a final eliminator is the next best thing, especially as Cotto is such a marquee name. I am up for the Murray fight, he is and Sky Sports would love it, so I think it’s a fight that makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.

“My career doesn’t revolve around Andy Lee or Martin Murray though, I have to take the biggest and best fight out there for me, as will they. To be World champion is my ultimate goal, if it means fighting them to get there then so be it.”

Macklin’s World title eliminator against WBC International champion Heiland is part of a huge night of action in Dublin.

Kal Yafai defends his IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight title against Everth Briceno, Manchester Lightweight star Anthony Crolla is in action, unbeaten Dubliners Declan Geraghty and Luke Keeler both fight in their seventh fights, Belfast’s unbeaten Cruiserweight Tommy McCarthy fights in his fourth pro contest and exciting Stourbridge Welterweight Sam Eggington and Manchester Light Welterweight Kofi Yates are also in action.

Tickets for the blockbuster night are on sale now priced at €30, €50 and €80 from The 3Arena at www.3arena.ie and on 0818 719 300 (R.O.I) and 0844 8472 455 (UK and NI). VIP tickets priced €150 are exclusively available from Matchroom Boxing at www.MatchroomBoxing.com and on 01277 359900.

irishboxing

Integral part of the Irish boxing community for over 13 years

x