Boxing News: Matthew Macklin Wants John Duddy

Current Irish middleweight champion Matthew Macklin is back in the U.S. to continue his campaign for a fight with unbeaten puncher, John Duddy. Macklin made his U.S. debut in August stopping former Duddy victim Leo Laudat in three rounds in Atlantic City. Macklin is back in action Stateside tomorrow night (Friday, October 28th) when he takes on Anthony Little in Philadelphia.

Once he’s dealt with Little, Macklin will have New York-based Duddy firmly in his sights and would relish the opportunity to pit his skills against the Derryman in what would surely prove a real battle of the “Fighting Irish.” Macklin is in no doubt as to the result if the fight does indeed come off.

“I think I'd definitely beat him. We're both at a similar level in terms of fights although I've had a few more and been a pro slightly longer and mixing in better company so I'm the more experienced professional. I was equally as talented as him in the amateurs, if not more, so and I think I'll beat him.”

Promoter Brian Peters is backing Macklin to prove just as big a success in the U.S. as Duddy. “John's made a name for himself over there while Macklin is already well established in Britain and Ireland. He impressed on his American debut in August and I'm sure he'll gain even more fans there tomorrow night. They love their boxing in Philadelphia and I'm sure in Macklin they'll realise they're seeing a genuine fighter in action.”

In fact it already appears that fight fans in the U.S. are excited about the possibility of a Macklin – Duddy matchup. “I was in the U.S. recently and a lot of people were asking me about the possibility of Matthew fighting Duddy,” said Peters.

“It's a fight I've been trying to make and I know Macklin really wants it. I'm not sure if Duddy does to be honest but I'm willing to give him every chance. I've offered him four times his best pay-day to date to take on Macklin so money can't be the problem.”

“I can put the fight on in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut for St. Patrick's Day with the Irish title on the line. The fans would flock from Boston and New York to see the fight because it would be a real 50-50 affair between two very exciting fighters. I know Macklin would jump at the opportunity; but will Duddy? It's a great opportunity for him as well as a great payday and for the fans it's a great fight.”

The 23-year-old Macklin won the Irish middleweight title in May of this year with an impressive fifth round knockout win over the normally durable Michael Monaghan in Dublin. Macklin looked razor-sharp on the night courtesy of countless rounds sparring with Ricky Hatton ahead of his great win over Kostya Tszyu. Like Hatton, Macklin is trained by Manchester's Billy Graham.