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Matt Macklin: It’s likely I will fight Sergio Martinez in March

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor

St Patrick’s Day meeting in mind for DiBella

Middleweight contender Matthew Macklin has explained the reasons surrounding his delayed American debut to World Boxing News and admits that even if he is offered a fight in the New Year, he may not risk injury, as he harbours hope of a spring meeting with Sergio Martinez.

The 29 year-old, who was mooted to fight for the first time in the US this month, is now playing a waiting game as he attempts to negotiate a huge St Patrick’s Day showdown with the pound for pound 160lb king and won’t let a fight in the interim scupper his plans.

“I was meant to fight in November but the Visa processing dragged on longer than we thought and all the TV dates are gone for December,” Macklin told World Boxing News.

“I could fight in January if a date can be found, although it now looks likely that I'll fight (Sergio) Martinez in March.

“If Lou (DiBella) can get this fight made soon, then I wouldn’t risk injury before a potential fight with Martinez,” he added.

Macklin has been out of the ring since his meeting with Felix Sturm in June and after a rematch with the WBA champion evaporated, the Irishman has turned his attention to a meeting with the Argentinian, who defeated his rival Darren Barker in his last outing.

If the March 17th date can be secured, it would be a dream match-up for the former European champion, who would attempt to defeat the world’s best middleweight on his homeland’s most celebrated day and the Irish fans would be out in force.
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