By Shaun Campbell:

European Middleweight Title:

Matthew Macklin (26-2 18KO’s) vs. Darren Barker (22-0 14KO’s)

The main event of the evening is the much anticipated European middleweight title fight between Matthew Macklin and Darren Barker. The pair were scheduled to meet in the past, but Macklin instead faced Amin Asikainen for the then vacant European crown. Barker instead won the vacant British title, and then when Macklin gave up the European title due to an injury, Barker won the challenge against Affif Belgecham. Now the pair will finally meet in in what is being tipped as the biggest domestic fight since Eubank vs Benn (also at middleweight). The punching power and strength lies with Macklin, where as Barker has a slight advantage in the speed department. It’s a 50/50 fight but Macklin has fought at the higher level, and Barker did struggle in his last fight. That, along with the huge help of Freddie Roach (who will be in Macklin’s corner on the night) will probably result in the Birmingham favourite Macklin winning either by stoppage or a KO, and therefore regaining his middleweight title.

Prediction – Matthew Macklin

WBO Light-heavyweight Title Eliminator:

Nathan Cleverly (19-0 9KO’s vs Karo Murat (22-0 13KO’s)

Nathan Cleverly the current European light-heavyweight champion, moves up another level in a tough test against Germany’s Karo Murat. Cleverly has looked impressive in recent performances, and the British public are massively excited about the Welsh prospect, who is being built up as the “new Joe Calzaghe”. The winner of this fight will step up to face WBO champion Juergen Braehmer. Either fighter is well capable of beating Braehmer, so this fight is a very exciting one. If Cleverly can use his massive height and reach advantage effectively and keep Murat off of him, then it is likely he will come away with the victory. However, Murat is a decent fighter who is also undefeated and in with a real chance as he probably has slightly better punching power. Somebody’s 0 has got to go.

Prediction – Nathan Cleverly

British Welterweight Title:

Kell Brook (21-0, 14 KO’s) v. Michael Jennings (36-2, 17 KO’s)

Another exciting domestic fight that has the mouths watering. Brook is the current British champion after beating a host of solid British fighters in the welterweight division, however now he faces Michael Jennings. Jennings who has challenged Miguel Cotto for the WBO title has the experience, but it’s likely that this fight has come a little too late for him now. Inactive for periods of his career, Jennings does have a chance of beating Brook, but it echoes of Mike Tyson vs Lennox Lewis. Two brilliant fighters in their era, but for the elderly boxer who may have won in his day, the fight has come too late. Brook’s fast hands and solid shots should be too much for the brave Jennings.

Prediction – Kell Brook