Macklin v Wright off
7 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Matthew Macklins path to world title success has been blocked once again as his dream bout with Ronald Winky Wright was cancelled over the weekend.
Middleweight contender Macklin seemed to have secured a much coveted gateway to the big time when it was announced he was to fight the legendary former world champion in Las Vegas on April 2. However, a hand injury forced Wright to pull out of his much publicised comeback and subsequently denied the former Tipperary Minor hurler the chance to gain the American recognition he craves. It is a massive blow for the European Champion and yet another knock back in his bid to move into middleweight contention.
The Birmingham born pugilist of Irish decent was understandably disappointed with the news, but is confident new promoters Golden Boy can ensure this is a temporary road block on the path success.
I am gutted. A win against Wright would have put me right up there among the challengers for a world title,” Macklin said. “He was making a comeback and aiming to do the same thing. It was a great fight for both of us and it would have brought the very best out of me. I knew that it would be a huge challenge but thats what appealed to me about the fight and I was very confident about the outcome.
Ive always believed Ive the ability to go right to the very top in the sport and where better to prove that than against a living legend of the sport on a big HBO fight in Las Vegas. Cancellations happen in boxing, but this fight had much more importance than most. I have agreed a deal with Golden Boy which will take me to a crack at a world title.
That is still the case but it is too early to say what is going to happen next. I will sit down with the promoters and with my manager Brian Peters and discuss the options, Macklin concluded.
