Matthew Macklin is adamant that class will prevail in “The Battle of Brum” at the Aston Arena on Saturday night. Macklin challenges city rival Wayne Elcock for his British Middleweight title in the headline bout on a Hennessy Sports show, which is live on ITV4 from 7:45pm.

While both men are avid Birmingham City fans, Macklin believes he’ll prove to be a league above the defending champion. “I think sometimes when you look at local derbies in football, they’re always nip and tick affairs early on but the class usually prevails and I believe that will be the case tomorrow night. Wayne’s a good fighter but I believe I’m simply a better one.”

Macklin’s manager, Brian Peters, has no doubt that his man has what it takes to lift a Lonsdale belt at the second time of asking having failed in a thrilling bid for Jamie Moore’s British Light Middleweight title back in 2006.

“Matthew learned a very painful lesson that night, but I believe that fight will ultimately prove to be a key turning point in his career," said the Dublin based Peters.

"Elcock is a decent fighter and just two fights ago he took on Arthur Abraham, who’s arguably the best middleweight in the world right now. I believe Matthew’s capable of mixing in that class as well and I think he’ll prove that with a decisive win over Elcock.

“It’s a massive fight for Birmingham and I believe that will bring out the best in Matthew. Elcock’s only had two fights in the last 15 months and I believe that will prove crucial against a strong, hungry fighter like Matthew.

"He’s been craving this opportunity for a long, long time and I honestly don’t think Elcock will be able to cope with him. He’s been a good champion, but it’s Matthew’s time now and I believe we’ll see a changing of the guard tomorrow night.”

An exciting undercard at the Aston Arena, Birmingham on March 14 features heavyweight sensation, Tyson Fury, while in the chief support bout Adnan Amar defends his Englsih Welterweight title against Tom Glover. Also in action are Eddie O’Rourke, Chris Male, Quinton Hillocks and Callum Archer.

Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.

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Boxing News Tags: Hennessy, ITV Boxing, Matthew Macklin, Wayne Elcock