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Macklin promises spectacular performance in win or bust fight

Matthew Macklin knows his career is on the line in London this Saturday, but has promised the kind of spectacular performance that will propel him toward a fourth World title shot.

The three time World title challenger takes on Brian Rose on the undercard of Anthony Joshua and Charles Martins massive heavyweight World title fight and admits it’s ‘crunch time’.

The former Irish, British and European champion claims he has been below par for a number of years and is keen to prove he is not ‘shot’ as he seeks out a fourth World title tilt.

Indeed, Macklin is in such a mood he currently holds pity for his opponent on Saturday night.

“I think it’s the perfect fight to tell me what I’ve got left,” Macklin said.

“I haven’t really boxed well for three or four years. I’ve had a couple of “ok” performances but we’re talking five or six out of ten,Preparations for those fights didn´t really go well though for various reasons or I struggled to get up for the opponent I was fighting. My critics will say these are excuses, but instead I believe they are explanations as to why I haven’t performed well.”

Macklin isn´t ready to rollover just yet, he believes he has more to give and Rose is just the warm-up. The Irish favourite understands some fans may have given up on him following his last few fights but assures them that although he may not be the favourite he is going out to win.

“Brian is a real nice lad and a good fighter,” said Macklin “but three or four years ago, I’d have gone straight through him; in fact, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t even have taken this fight. Brian is the bookies favourite and I can see why. On the surface after recent performances you would have to assume I’m shot or certainly well on the slide. But if I’m honest, my head and heart weren´t in it, this time physically and mentally I feel in a really good place. I actually feel sorry for Brian because I think he’s catching me at the worst possible time!”

“I haven’t even thought about what’s next because if I don’t win this one then there is no next; I’d retire 100%. So there’s no two ways about it, I am fighting on Saturday with my career very much on the line. But I feel super fit, in great shape and nice and fresh. But most importantly, I feel focused and raring to go!! I believe I’m really going to turn the clock back with this one and reignite my career with a spectacular performance!”

Macklin´s fight with Rose is part of The O2 bill on Saturday night when Anthony Joshua challenges Charles Martin for the IBF world heavyweight title. The fight can be seen Live on Sky Sports PPV.

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