Matthew Macklin is ready to rumble on St Patrick’s Day

It's confirmed - Irish middleweight takes on Sergio Martinez at MSG

Middleweight Matthew Macklin (28-3, 19 KOs) got his first glimpse of the big time in Madison Square Garden last Wednesday when he officially announced his Saturday, March 17 St. Patrick’s night fight with Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs) at the famous venue.

Also present was Andy Lee (27-1, 19 KOs), who was there to promote his participation in the main co-feature. Both fights will be televised on HBO.

The venue was packed with reporters eager to talk to both Irishmen about the challenges that await on St. Patrick’s Day.

Macklin had nothing but good things to say about Martinez, who is recognized as the best fighter in the world at 160 pounds, but he also promised that the Argentinean would have a tough night ahead of him.

"Sergio is going to have to be ready.  I am coming forward all night and I am coming for war,” he said.
Martinez thanked Macklin for taking the challenge and is dedicating the fight to his family and those who campaign for an end to domestic violence.

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Also present at the press event was Buddy McGirt, who will train Macklin at the Trinity Gym in the Financial District for the toughest assignment of his career.

"We are going to win the fight. I don't care how it gets done. We are going to prepare for anything and everything.   Sergio is a great athlete.  He is a good fighter, and both guys have their hand full in this one,” the former two-time world champion told the Irish Voice.

Macklin has one trait that McGirt thinks will stand to him on fight night.

"He listens. I like guys that listen. That is the difference in a fight; it means he has faith in his corner,” he says.

Macklin's manager Brian Peters was also in attendance and is delighted that his fighter has this opportunity.

"How does it get any better? Fighting the real middleweight champion in Madison Square Garden on Paddy's Day on HBO. It ticks all the boxes," Peters said.

Peters praised the dedication of his fighter to move to the U.S. after his controversial split decision loss to WBA champion Felix Sturm last June to build a base in New York and completely dedicate himself to this fight.

While acknowledging that Martinez “is a dangerous fighter” who has some big wins over the likes of Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams, Peters feels that the confidence and commitment his man is showing will stand him in good stead.

"Everyone knows what Matthew brings; he comes at people and he is aggressive. When Matthew steps in the ring, you know he is going to give it his all,” Peters said.

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Nster.com