Macklin-Elcock set for March
09 January 2009 – By Mark Doyle
Matthew Macklin will take on British middleweight champion Wayne Elcock at the Aston Arena in Birmingham on March 14.
Both men are locals and a bitter rivalry already exists between the two. As a result, Elcock is very much looking forward to finally getting the chance to share a ring with Macklin, his mandatory challenger.
“There hasnt been a fight like this in Birmingham between two top-rated Brummies for as far back as I can remember,” he mused.
“My phone is off the hook at the moment because theres so much interest in it. Its going to be a cracking atmosphere on the night and a cracking fight.
“I will win the fight and have been looking for this opportunity for years, since we turned pro. Matt has been doing all the talking, but theres no need to hype this one because it is just a massive fight without any hype.
“I rate Matt as a decent fighter and this is what Birmingham and British boxing needs – two top fighters squaring off against each other.
“He said hes going to knock me out but he was saying that sort of thing before he fought Jamie Moore [in 2006] and look what happened then.”
Elcock had been scheduled to make the second defence of his British title against Jason McKay last month but he was forced to pull out after fracturing his fibia.
However, he insists that the injury is no longer a worry and he will be fighting fit by the time March 14 rolls around.
“My leg is fine and Im back in the gym full-time now. The December 6 fight was just a bit too soon for me and I needed a longer break for the injury, he explained.
Meanwhile, Elcock’s promoter, Mick Hennessy, is anticipating a memorable domestic dust-up.
“The venue holds just over 2,000 people and I expect a quick sell out for this one as I cant remember a bigger Birmingham boxing derby. Theres a bit of needle between them both and its boiling up to be a great fight, he enthused.
“I am pleased for Wayne as this is a fight he has wanted for a while; I know this fight has highly motivated him.”
