From the scene: "Hatton Promotions will begin 2010 with EBU Middleweight champ Matthew Macklin defending the title against Russian Dimitri Pirog. Exact site and date to be announced" Tough fight for Macklin but his experience may give him the advantage here.
Pirog is WBC 5, WBA 12, IBF 10 and WBO 2. Macklin is WBC 8, WBO 4 and top 10 with the IBF so this could easially double as an eliminator.
Oh **** This is going to be a good fight Pirog combination punching is outstanding i wouldn't be surprised if he takes this.
If Macklin beats Pirog he is onnthe brink of a World title shot. If he can't beat Pirog then maybe his lofty ambition will not be realised. Realistically these are the kinda fights you are going to get at this level andfair play to Hatton Promotions for making the fight. Macklin is one of their main stars and this is a massive risk. I think Pirog will win. I'm actually well up for seeing this live.
pirog beats macklin by ud but full marks to macklin for stepping up in class and pirog is a step up in class for him....
Very true, but its one step in the right direction. If every prospect fought with another one to earn his shot boxing would be far more credible. I give credit to Hatton if he makes this match instead of taking an easier route or biding his time for an opening.