Mack The Knife will cut fight short if Martinez fails to Dazzle again!

By Jonny Stapleton

If the Sergio Martinez that turned up against Darren Barker is on show against Matthew Macklin in Maddison Square Garden on March 17 he will be knocked out, the Irish middleweight has boldly predicted.

Macklin claims the Argentine looked tired  and somewhat vulnerable when he defended

his titles against English middleweight last October. In fact so unimpressed was ‘Mack the Knife’ with Maravilla’s performance he warned a repeat display will see the fight cut  short.

The Birmingham born former Tipperary underage hurler believes the man billed as ‘The Real middleweight champion’ has weaknesses he can exploit with physical strength.

“Martinez certainly showed some vulnerabilities and he certainly showed that he was hittable against Barker. He looked tired and on that performance, I think that I would have stopped him. If he came in like that against me, he certainly wouldn’t have heard the final bell,” Macklin said.

“I don ’t think he is a natural middleweight, he is more a light middle. On the other hand I am big for the weight. He might be able to beat me in the speed stakes but he will feel my power.”

Macklin, who will train with Buddy McGrit for the mouth-watering clash, has previously stated his respect for the best middleweight on the planet. However he is keen to point out his admiration shouldn’t be mistaken for fear and predicts he will be victorious come Paddy’s Day.

“I cannot wait to take on Martinez. It is a massive fight. It will be on St Patrick’s Day  so that makes it even more special. He may begin as favourite but I’ll be the one raising my hand at the end of the fight.”