Matthew Macklin calls out Paul Williams
Birmingham boxing star Matthew Macklin (27-2, 19 KOs) wants Paul “The Punisher” Williams.
Macklin certainly isn’t taking the easy road with the open challenge to Williams, Ring Magazine No.5 pound-for-pound boxer in the world. But a fighter has to do what he has to do to get respect in the boxing community and win a world title.
Macklin will be defending his European middleweight title December 11 when he participates in big-time promoter Frank Warren’s tribute show. The show will celebrate Warren’s 30 years as a British boxing promoter.
On the card, which will be in Liverpool, Macklin will touch gloves with Ruben Varon (35-5, 16 KOs). But Macklin says that’s just primer for bigger things to come.
"I've been at European level now for the 18 months or so," Macklin calculated. “I'm 28 now and it is time to start cashing in when I'm at my prime. I don't want to sound arrogant but I believe I am good enough to compete with anyone in the world.” He continued:
“Felix Sturm and Sebastian Sylvester would be great for me, but the one I would really love is Paul Williams. He's the best in the world, but I love fighting tall southpaws.”
In his last fight, Macklin stopped opponent Shalva Jomardashvili in five rounds, forcing him to quit on his stool. The fight was a huge draw on Frank Warren’s Magnificent Seven card, which took place on September 18.
Paul Williams is fresh off a win against Kermit Cintron, whom he punished for four rounds until the fight was stopped when Cintron fell out of the ring and onto the ringside announcers’ table. The fight garnered controversy after Williams was awarded the
win, as many think it should have been ruled a no-contest.
Macklin, who seemed to express a tad of anxiety that he has not done enough in the boxing world, said: “"When I was an amateur I was mentioned in the same breath as the likes of David Haye and Carl Froch. They have gone on to win world titles, and so will
I."
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