Macklin open to fighting Andy Lee in the future if a world title is on the line

By Boxing News - 09/03/2011 - Comments

Image: Macklin open to fighting Andy Lee in the future if a world title is on the lineBy William Mackay: Matthew Macklin (28-3, 19 KO’s) likes to the idea of fighting middleweight contender Andy Lee (26-1. 19 KO’s) next year if Lee gets by Brian Vera (19-5, 12 KO’s) next month in their rematch on October 1st, and if Lee and Macklin can meet for a world title at stake.

The chances of that happening are rather low at this time, however. Lee will have his hands full just trying to beat Vera next month, and it’s difficult imagine him fighting for a world title or beating any of the champions right now given how bad he looked in stopping Craig McEwan last March in a 10th round TKO. Lee was hit often in that fight, and looked as bad as he had when he was stopped by Vera three years ago in the 7th round in 2008.

Macklin said this to the Irish Voice: “As long as I can keep winning and as long as Andy can keep winning, somehwere down the line you imagine out paths will cross, hopefully for a world title…If it is for a world title and if it makes sense, then it makes sense.”

Macklin wants to fight Sergio Martinez next, and that’s a fight that Macklin will lose if he takes it. Martinez is a lot better than Macklin and would knock him out. Macklin lost his last fight against WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm last June. Macklin threw a lot of punches, but lacked power in his shots, and took a lot of hard jabs and power shots to the head in the second half of the fight. Macklin had the chance for a rematch, but declined. In looking to fight Martinez, Macklin is going in the wrong direction. Martinez doesn’t have a title right now and will give Macklin yet another loss. Macklin should instead look to take on Sturm again or one of the other top contenders.

As for a fight between Macklin and Lee, it’s an interesting fight for the future, but there won’t be any titles on the line. Lee lacks the chin and the stamina to become a champion. And Macklin lacks the power and the stamina. If Macklin had Lee’s power, he’d be a decent fighter.



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