HBO has offered Macklin a fight with Korobov on the Crawford-Gamboa undercard. Korobov has accepted the fight, but now Macklin says he needs time to think it over as he's been preparing for Geale and now would have to adjust to a southpaw that hits way harder. This is the second time HBO has tried to make Macklin-Korobov, with the first being last November when Nelson dropped out of his fight with Macklin. Matt turned it down sighting the southpaw reason and ended up fighting Lamar Russ while Korobov fought a great with Derek Edwards.
I could understand Macklin turning it down last time since his training camp was basically over when Nelson dropped out but now he has 6 weeks and full sparring to prepare for a lefty so there is no excuse. Great fight for both guys Macklin the established contender needing to prove he still deserves the status and another shot while Korobov is the skilled prospect but unproven as a world level contender looking for his first.
Macklin has to be dramatic about everything. He did the same thing on those occasions when trying to get him in with GGG before actually accepting. Now he is acting like some sort of martyr once again because he has been offered a fight against a guy not tailor made for him. I guess people need to feel more important when others are forced to wait on their decisions...
Korobov is one of those guys who's high risk low reward. Technically sound, southpaw stance, with KO power. Macklin looked to have a very good shot against Geale and at the very least would've put on a good show without getting stopped. Korobov could very well stop Macklin, atleast I expect him to. I wouldn't be completely surprised to see Mack sit this out and wait for something like Ruibo or Vera to come along. Really, Geale is still available. Also I'm not sure on whether there's a purse difference to what he was offered vs Geale compared to vs Korobov.
I understand what you're saying i just don't think its acceptable for contenders trying to earn another shot to pick and choose like that as if they are a Champion with bargaining power. Rubio is WBC mandatory i don't know why people keep mentioning him as a potential opponent for guys when he is sitting on a guaranteed title shot or will be the recipient of even more step aside money. He's sitting comfy with the WBC watching out for him like he's their first born.
I would be relatively confident that Korobov wins - quite simply he's a far superior technician to Matt Macklin - but... if Korobov goes seeking the KO (as he seems to have been doing more recently - presumably to try and raise his profile) he can leave himself vulnerable. If I had to make a pick it'd be a Korobov UD, but a late TKO is also highly possible if Mattvey were to go looking for the finish once he's worn Macklin down. As has been mentioned previously however, the risk - reward ratio makes this a fight that doesn't make a whole lotta sense for Macklin. Macklin is actually the bigger name in this fight by a considerable margin due to Korobovs absurd mismanagement by Arum and a loss to a guy who's virtually unknown outside the boxing hardcore could damage Macklins considerable earning potential in a big way.
I'm personally not expecting GGG to fight Fletcher over Geale - Fletcher might not be willing to accept the step-aside $s but I'd imagine the WBA would accept a little sweetener to allow Golovkin to fight their #3 instead of their #2. To be blunt, this s#it stinks (as does Macklin apparently getting the cold shoulder so the GGG - Geale fight could be made) but as usual, I expect that the money will do the talking. Quite aside from all of which, whilst Geale - Macklin would be an excellent fight IMO, without a strap on the line and with no US involvement, it'd be impossible to sell as a headliner - at best maybe a co-main with a decent title fight.
Because Geale is suffering from a rare and debilitating injury that apparently can only be relieved when hes fighting for more money...
