Macklin suggests a Martin Murray fight looks more likely than an Andy Lee meeting

MARTIN Murray and not Andy Lee is a more likely Matthew Macklin foe, claims the ‘Tipperary Tornado’ himself.

The three time world title challenger believes the much muted and much desired all Irish fight with the Limerick native isn’t off the cards, but suggests St Helen’s Murray is closer on the Macklin radar.

Lee’s move to light middleweight and his move up the rankings at 154 have put distance between himself and Macklin. The currently unattached fighter is pursuing a Dublin hosted world title fight with IBF champ Sam Solimon and if he manages to claim the belt he suggests a fight with Murray could be possible.

“I think the fight with Murray could still happen definitely,” Macklin told World Boxing News.

“So long as both of us keep on winning I think one, if not both of us will pick up a world title, and then the fight between us will be huge,” he added before suggesting he is open to a Lee liaison.

“In terms of Andy, he scored a great knock out when he fought down at 154 in his last fight though his performance up to that point was bad. He pulled a great right hook out of the bag just when he needed it so fair play to him for that.”

I think he is staying down at light middle for now, but I am sure he will fight at 160 and everyone knows a fight between me and him is a big seller in Ireland.