Joern Pollex - Bongarts/Getty Images
Matthew Macklin will reunite with trainer Buddy McGirt for his fight with Sergio Martinez. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Matthew Macklin has reunited with trainer Buddy McGirt for his upcoming March 17 fight with middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez, reports Terence Dooley at BoxingScene.com.
Macklin (28-3, 19 KO) started his career with Billy Graham, moved to McGirt, and then in 2009 paired up with top UK trainer Joe Gallagher. The parting of ways with Macklin and Gallagher doesn't seem to be anything but a business move, as Macklin will be training in the United States from now on, which makes McGirt the more viable option.
It appears to simply be a case of Macklin being comfortable with either trainer, but McGirt is simply closer and easier available than Gallagher, who has done a phenomenal job in recent years, and has been a much more successful trainer than McGirt, but McGirt's "losses" have largely been in high-profile fights, so what can you really do?
Macklin will be the serious underdog against Martinez, and it's going to take a career-best performance from him to pull the win. Is McGirt the right trainer? I don't know, but Macklin must feel he gives him that sort of shot, and must be comfortable with the decision.
0 recs | 15 comments
Question to our British friends here at BJH
What are Macklin’s attributes and does he stand any chance against Martinez.
In other words, what should we expect?
pakinpower - January 5, 2012
not British but...
Pressure fighting, willingness to take a shot, seemingly very strong chin. He can fight. There’s no question about that. I have him #3 in the division.
I think there’s an outside shot he gives Sergio some problems. I still favor Sergio heavily, but Matthew can scrap.
Scott Christ - January 5, 2012
I think he stands a good chance of making this a close fight, provided Martinez doesn’t start that much quicker than him. Macklin’s got a great engine, huge heart and a real desire to prove himself an elite fighter at middleweight. While Sturm was a great stylistic match-up for Macklin, insofar as he had to do little work to get on the inside, Sergio could theoretically pose more problems with his fast feet and willingness to work from distance. However, I’d be very unsurprised to see Matt create some real difficulties with his dynamism and work rate, and I feel like it could turn out to be a very interesting fight. If you’ve got the time, check out his fight with Jamie Moore a few years back for a real barnburner – it’s one he lost, but also prompted the move to 160 where he’s been far more solid and secure. The Sturm fight is also good viewing.
Oli Goldstein - January 5, 2012
This is a very intriguing fight. Macklin will bring it and he’s a legitimate middleweight. Like Scott, I consider him top five in the division too. It’ll be a good gauge of where Martinez really stands in comparison with the rest of the competition at 160. St. Paddy’s day in NYC should make for a good fight atmosphere. I was hoping Andy Lee would face Martin Murray on the undercard, which would make for a great card in total, but it looks like that won’t happen.
rantcatrat - January 5, 2012
Thanks Oli. I will
pakinpower - January 6, 2012
A solid fight. MM has the goods. However, Sergio will break him down and take him out late.
Boss Man - January 5, 2012
I don't think he stands a chance against Sergio
All wrong for him. THe angles, the foot movement….
Macklin is game. Can take a shot as well as deliver one. Likes to go to the body. But I expect Martinez to blow him out within 6
Sweet science - January 5, 2012
If Martinez fights like e did against Cintron
He could be in trouble. But honestly, he seems to do best against aggressive fighters. I like Macklin, and based on his accomplishments a #3 ranking isn’t way out there, but I dont give him much of a shot.
Brickhaus - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Hope im wrong but i cant see it going into the second half of the fight, Macklin is just goin to take too many shots. Martinez should slice him up and get him out of there in the first 6. It won’t be boring while it lasts though
whypunchrabbits? - January 5, 2012
That’s the other option. And like you said, at least it doesn’t suck as a fight. He won’t turtle and cover like Barker.
Scott Christ - January 5, 2012
I’d be surprised if this is competitive. Just don’t see Martinez having any problems with Macklin’s style (and I hope I’m 100% wrong).
McGirt can’t teach an old dog new tricks…..he is what he is.
DPlainview - January 5, 2012
Right. McGirt is agood guy to have in the corner, but he is not agreat teacher.
Boss Man - January 5, 2012
the kiss of death that is buddy mcgirt..
Vicmatic1 - January 5, 2012
Yeah, that’s sadly what I’m thinking too. Would much rather have seen Macklin training at Gallagher’s Gym…
Oli Goldstein - January 5, 2012 via mobile
He has come along way since the Jamie Moore KO. Different guy I sense.
Boss Man - January 5, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bad Left Hook to post a comment.