macc5 By Simon Allen: Jurgen Braehmer retained his WBA light heavyweight title after Enzo Maccarinelli forced to quit after suffering a nasty eye injury.

Enzo, hoping to become a two weight world champion entered the fight with a point to prove after being written off by most Boxing pundits.

In round one both fighters started quickly and willing trade as they felt each other out.

Braehmer showed his experience throwing one twos from range and moving out of distance. Maccarinelli however did have some success landing a few big punches of his own. Braehmer suffered a cut above his right eye midway through the round after an accidental clash of heads. Maccarinelli probably thought his luck was in and had something to exploit until Braehmer landed a right hand of his own ten seconds before the end of the round.

Maccarinelli’s right eye immediately began to swell and close as the bell went and he headed back to his corner.

Eye grotesque, Enzo came out for the second round and took centre ring stalking opponent looking for the big punch he surely knew he needed to win. Braehmer meanwhile was content to pick him off landing sharp one two and the clinching effectively negating any reply. Enzo was being caught repeatedly and was obviously having trouble seeing the punches coming.

Maccarinelli’s trainer Gary Lockett was showing concern for his fighter and warned Enzo he would be pulled out at the end of the round.

Maccarinelli came out fast and started well landing punches and forcing Braehmer backwards who was content to stay out of harm’s way. The referee also concerned for the eye summoned the Dr to ringside who surprisingly let the fight go on. Maccarinelli continued to walk Braehmer down seeking that one punch but Jurgen was smart keeping his distance and landing sharp punches.

Round 4 started much the same Enzo holding centre ring but doing little with it. Braehmer easily negated his offence landing crisp punches before holding to prevent any reply.

At the interval Gary Lockett again stated he was going to pull Maccarinelli out and that he had one more round. Braehmer came out and immediately started where he had left landing hard punches which Maccarinelli couldn’t see or defend against. Showing great heart and determination Enzo fought on but having little success. His eye protruding horrifically from the damage he was receiving and his left eye following suit. The Dr was again called to look at Enzo and appallingly allowed the fight continue. Earning the wrath of even Braehmer’s corner.

At the end of the fifth Gary Lockett informed Maccarinelli and the referee the=at he would not be continuing. Enzo too his credit insisted he could fight on and made half hearted attempts to convince them. Lockett had made the right decision.

With the win Braehmer improves to 43/2/0 (32), Maccarinelli drops 38/7/0 (30).

For Braehmer, he will be looking forward to bigger fights ahead within the division. Maccarinelli however should be proud of the performance and heart shown. His next decision should be time away from the sport to recuperate and consider giving up the game.