Hennessy Boxing: McCracken, Woodall Can’t Split Birmingham Rivals

Midlands boxing legends Robert McCracken and Richie Woodhall admit that they can’t pick a winner ahead of this weekends “Battle of Brum” as local rivals Wayne Elcock and Matthew Macklin go head to head in a mouth watering British title showdown.

The middleweight clash takes place at the Aston Arena in Birmingham on Saturday night with the Hennessy Sports show also live on ITV4.

The eagerly awaited dustup promises to be the biggest midlands boxing derby in years and while neither McCracken or Woodhall can pick a winner they are both predicting a fight to remember.

Both men have been drafted in by the ABA to lend their considerable expertise to Team GB’s boxers ahead of the 2012 Olympics and having once been proud custodians of the Lonsdale belt themselves they know exactly what’s at stake for Elcock and Macklin this weekend.

“It’s a fantastic fight and I think it’s a fight the city needs,” said McCracken. “You have two of the best middleweights in the country going at it in their hometown and I think their styles will gel to make it a great fight. As a boxing fan you couldn’t wish for a better match up so I’m really looking forward to it. As regards picking a winner I think it’s just too close to call really so may the best man win.”

Woodhall is just as divided on the outcome of the fight. “I can’t split them and to be honest I don’t want to as I consider them both friends. It’s a cracking fight for the City and it’s a great time for boxing in Birmingham these days because you have so many good kids coming through.

“Boxing really is booming here at the minute and to have an all Birmingham clash of this quality speaks volume for the strength of boxing in the region. It’s a must win fight for both of them so I think it’s going to be a cracker but it’s impossible to pick a winner.”

“Champion Elcock and challenger Macklin will come face to face this Thursday for a press conference at the Sports Cafe in Birmingham from 12pm ahead of the bout with the war of words between both camps likely to re-ignite ahead of this weekend’s explosive showdown.

The “Battle of Brum” undercard also features undefeated heavyweight sensation, Tyson Fury who takes on experienced Lee Swaby in his fourth pro fight while Adnan Amar defends his English Welterweight title against Southern Area champ, Tom Glover in the chief support bout. Local prospects Chris Male, Quinton Hillocks and Callum Archer also feature. Tickets are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.