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Macklin: If I can’t beat Rose then I don’t deserve a World title

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Matthew Macklin believes that he can kick-start a final push for an elusive World title with a win over fellow Matchroom fighter Brian Rose [28(8)-3(3)-1].

It has been heavily suggested that the pair will face off in the coming months in a crossroads clash, and it is a fight that appeals to the Irishman.

Speaking to IFL TV at the press conference for Sam Eggington-Bradley Skeete in Macklin’s home city of Birmingham, the 33 year old revealed that the Rose fight “could happen next for me.”

“I think it’s a good fight.”

The always straight-talking Macklin admitted that “If I’m being honest, I probably haven’t performed well for three years.”

“Alcine was probably my last good performance really.”

“I watched my last fight against Welborn the other day and I was embarrassed really watching it, it was a poor performance.”

However, ‘The Tipperary Tornado’ believes that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank and reasoned that “at several stages in my career I’ve had periods like that and then my best wins came.”

“I think Brian Rose is a good fight for me at this stage of my career because it will tell me exactly what I need to know about where I am.”

“It’s alright talking about World title fights and Danny Jacobs, but the reality is, if I can’t beat Rose then I don’t deserve those fights.”

The Irishman however was complementary of Birmingham-born Rose, noting that “Brian is a good fighter, a solid fighter, he’s very well schooled, technically good, fights at a very good pace, and is coming off a very good win.”

The clash is rumoured to be part of the Anthony Joshua-headlined April 9th PPV show at the O2 Arena, and a win in London could set Macklin up for one more big fight.

Watch Macklin’s interview with Kugan Cassius of IFL TV in full below:

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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