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The highly anticipated world title clash between middleweight stars Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is to be screened live and exclusive in the UK and Ireland on Primetime, Channel 480 on Sky and Virgin on Demand.
Matthew Macklin will be looking to get back that winning feeling against Joachim Alcine after back to back losses to Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez.
Returning to fight in America for the second time following that late stoppage loss to Sergio Martinez, Macklin will be looking to record his first stateside victory.
Macklin put on a valiant display against Martinez, troubling him in the early rounds before succumbing to Martinez’s power.
That performance, hot on the heels of his split decision loss to then WBA Champion Felix Sturm, has marked Macklin as one of the toughest fighters in the division.
Steve Collins had the following to say when asked about Macklin; “I thought he beat Felix Sturm. He went to Germany, took on the German golden boy in his back yard and was unlucky to walk away without the decision.
“His next fight against Martinez it just wasn’t his night, he’s had two back to back fights against two of the toughest middleweights in the world and he’s done himself justice in each one.
“This next fight he has coming up against Alcine is not an easy fight, he needs to win this fight or he will find it hard to get back in again for contention for another senior title.”
Primetime commentator, Wayne McCullough also weighed in; “Macklin has a good opportunity against Alcine.” said McCullough. “I’ve watched a few of his fights and he has an awkward style. If Macklin can get close to him and works the body, and works the head he can get a stoppage.
“Matthew has the Irish pedigree and background so he’s going to get a following in America. There’s something like over 40 million Irish Americans of some descent. They love the way he fights, he comes to fight all the time and over here they like to see that. He’s exciting and if he puts on a good performance the skies the limit for him.”
Chavez Jr vs Martinez will cost £14.95 For more information call 0871 200 4444*
