Macklin primed for title challenge

13 September 2010

Matt Macklin says he wants to move to world level after his European title challenge on September 18.

The Brummie takes on Shalva Jomardashviliin a European middleweight championship fight at the LG Arena, Birmingham. A victory should boost his ratings with each of the big four world governing bodies.

Macklin is currently inside the top 10 of the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO, and knocking on the door for a world title challenge.

“At 28 I am coming into my prime,” said Macklin.

“I truly believe that I am ready for anyone in the world. My plan was always to win the European title, and then look at what options there were at world level.

“I’ve already won this belt once, so there doesn’t seem that much point in hanging around.”

Macklin’s words could be bad news for Darren Barker, who was supposed to meet Macklin on Saturday. But he pulled out with an injury.

“I’d still love to fight Darren,” said Macklin.

“The whole point of meeting him on the 18th was to show that I am the best middleweight in Britain.

“Even when I win the European title against Jomardashviliin, I’ll still have that itch to prove that I am better than Barker.

“Maybe we can meet for the European belt, but perhaps it will be for a world title somewhere down the line.”