Matthew Macklin v Winky Wright - Las Vegas, April 9

Yes he should but he aint getting any younger and this is a better ticket to a world title shot than Barker,

 

true but it will go down as a hatton witter khan murray calzaghe froch these were all quality fights for the die hard british fans and any of the above would of sold brilliantly imo

 

Maybe he is not arsed about seeing who is "the best in britain", I personally would prefer to see who is the best Irish middleweight between Lee-Duddy-Macklin and think that that is a more competative trio then Macklin-Barker-Murray.

Maybe he is more interested in taking steps towards a world title, afterall he has been Irish, British and European champion already. A case of been there, done that I think.

 

i meant john murray he wont be fighting either, i just mean his prediciment

 

The Murray I was referring to was St. Helens, Martin Murray.

Macklin cant be hanging around forever expect to beat every new guy on the domestic scene just to satisfy his detractors. It would endless. He needs to kick on. The main reason he didn't get a shot at Martinez for March is like lack of profile in the States. The network like him and said that they would have okayed the match up if he had the profile of say Andy Lee.

Macklin has the credibility and lacks the profile, Lee has the profile and lacks the credibility - so they both missed out.

A fight against Winky is a good 50/50 fight and will show if Macklin has what it takes to get into the world class bracket and give him a name on the roster that US viewers recognise. Simple as that.

 

I think this actually makes the Lee fight less likley to happen.

Wern't Lee and Duddy offerd big money to fight Macklin and said no anyway?

 

There not asking much **** me they don't want him to clean out the top ten just beat a guy who is ex euro champ unbeaton and would be a nice 50/50 fight, I have no problem him fighting Winky, but the way you go on it's as if the fans wan't him to clean out the British top ten or something.

 

YOu make it sound like they ducked him, in reality they were offered a two fight deal in which they would tied to a promoter that at least one fighter didnt want to be tied to.

They thought that they would make the fight between them without Peters and then negotiate a fight with Macklin. Guess what? Duddy-Lee is happening in March - both are free agents and I see no reason why if Macklin wins why he couldnt fight the winner of that fight as a world title eliminator, although Macklin may potential go straight into a world title fight.

 

just want the barker fight then move on thats all

 

I think that most people would like to see it happen, its is potentially a cracking fight with a great mix of styles, but in reality the Barker fight will not aid Macklin's progression towards a world title fight as much as a fight with Winky and as I said he already won the Irish, British and European titles so cant be accused of not going about thing through the traditional organic routes.

 

In his interview on On The Ropes, Steward said they would be interested in fighting Macklin after Duddy if the Martinez fight couldn't be made.

 

I'm sure they would be - but would Macklin. Actually, I'll find out on Thursday as I am going over to interview the Tornado. :good

 

WBC Rankings

Champion - Martinez
Interim - Zbik

1. Chazez Jnr
2. Lemieux
3. Rubio
4. Macklin
5. Barker

Zbik is fighting Chavez, Lemieux is fighting Rubio in the next 6 months. Macklin vs Barker would be an eliminator.


If Macklin wins he will fight Pirog not Martinez guarentee it.

 

Winky’s a tough fight for Macklin. That jab and the timing could give Matthew nightmares. And Wright’s style isn’t one to be diminished by age – other than the fact his head movement and the more subtle things he used to do looked to be gone against Williams. Then, he might just have needed more time in the gym.

This is the best chance Macklin will have to establish a name – but I’m not sure he’s good enough to do it.

 

This would be a very good fight, the winner would definitely merit a title shot. I'd actually put Macklin favourite even if Winky hasnt diminished too much due to age as other have indicated. I reckon Macklin's poor last 2 performances have made people understimate him, I reckon he would outwork Wright to a decision.