Macklin: better the opponent the better I perform

By Jonny Stapleton

MATTHEW Macklin isn’t worried about fighting the man deemed the best middleweight in the world stressing the higher the calibre of his opponent the greater his level of performance.

Mack The Knife has the chance to dethrone middleweight ring king Sergio Martinez and grow his reputation in Madison Square Garden on March 17 and is adamant he will raise his game to match that of the Pound for Pound number 3.

Despite being the underdog the Lou DiBella middleweight is defiant and is confident he can cause an upset.

The former British and European champion has admitted previously to under performing when faced with foe’s he was expected to inflict defeat on.

However, in the reverse situation Macklin, who has the chance to propel himself into the pound for pound world rankings next month, has excelled.

When the odds were deemed against him the Birmingham born Irish middleweight produced wining performances and the 29 year old warned his detractors to expect the same on St Patrick’s Day.

 

“As I have done throughout my entire career I will go up a notch for this fight. Sergio is going to bring the best out of me and I am very confident in my mind that I will be the new middleweight champion come March 17th. I’m ready for this fight.,” a confident Macklin exclaimed.

 

“Over the last 10 years as a pro I had some up and down performances but usually when I fought the best guys they brought the best out of me. Sergio Martinez is certainly going to bring the best out of me. I’ll need to be at my best to win this fight. I’m very confident. Sergio is going to have to be ready. 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 March 17th at the new champion.”