Sergio Martinez vs. Matthew Macklin - St. Pat's day fight thread

[Rantcatrat]

I thought Macklin edged Felix Sturm in a good fight last year. Thus, there is a decent argument that he is the number two middleweight in the world and Saturday's fight is between the two top ranked middleweights on the planet. I favor Sergio Martinez here, maybe in a big-time, highlight-reel stoppage. I wouldn't be surprised, however, with another Darren Barker-esque performance, where Sergio Martinez coasts to a comfortable win or a late stoppage. Having said that, as Michael Marley said on Steve Bunce's program last week in describing Mike McTigue's win over Battling Siki on March 19, 1923: "strange things can happen to an Irish fighter on St. Paddy's day."

McTigue a part of St. Patrick's Day folklore - boxing - ESPN

[armyash]

Interesting fight I reckon. More head movement from Macklin than what we are used to and more movement I can see him having some success.

If Macklin wins, it wouldn't be the biggest upset and I believe he has a chance. I don't see Martinez steam rolling him that's for sure.

[Nameless]

I quite likc Macklin but Sergio is always fighting like if it was about to be his only weekly meal. I give MAravilla all the chance in that one.

[TigerFan]

Gotta go with Martinez.

I give Macklin a decent chance though. Barker isn't a pressure fighter and he had success pressuring Sergio...coming forward with a tight guard..not throwing from too far out like Wililams did/does. If he can avoid getting ktfo early he has a chance to wear down a 37 yr old Martinez.

[erics44]

ill be shouting for macklin, just dont think he is quite tough enough for martinez

id say a KO

[Mars_ax]

I quite likc Macklin but Sergio is always fighting like if it was about to be his only weekly meal. I give MAravilla all the chance in that one.

Yup, Sergio fights hungry doesn't he, the dude also continues to improve and keeps himself in great shape.
I like Matt's attitude, and I believe he'll give it his best effort, he's just in over his head in this one. Macklin will keep coming forward, but that will be his downfall, Sergio is a great counter puncher. The fight could end early, but my guess is Macklin gets busted up and then stopped sometime after the 7th round.

If Martinez does win, I hope he calls out that mexican pussy, JCC Jr.

[Mars_ax]

I thought Macklin edged Felix Sturm in a good fight last year. Thus, there is a decent argument that he is the number two middleweight in the world and Saturday's fight is between the two top ranked middleweights on the planet. I favor Sergio Martinez here, maybe in a big-time, highlight-reel stoppage. I wouldn't be surprised, however, with another Darren Barker-esque performance, where Sergio Martinez coasts to a comfortable win or a late stoppage. Having said that, as Michael Marley said on Steve Bunce's program last week in describing Mike McTigue's win over Battling Siki on March 19, 1923: "strange things can happen to an Irish fighter on St. Paddy's day."

McTigue a part of St. Patrick's Day folklore - boxing - ESPN

If you're Irish like Macklin, and you want to win a scrap on St. Patrick's Day, the trick is having a "good" leprechaun training you. You must of course promise not to steal the leprechaun's gold. fact!