Matthew Macklin (born 14 May, 1976 in Birmingham, England) is a professional boxer of Irish extraction, his father being from County Roscommon and his mother from County Tipperary. He usually fights at light middleweight or the divisions either side.[1][2]
Background
Macklin and his brother Sheamus, who is also a boxer, spent much of his youthin his mothers native County Tipperary and it was there that he learnt to play Ireland national sport hurling. Macklin became a talented hurling player in his own right and represented County Tipperary, a leading team in Irish hurling, at all age levels up to Under 21 inter county level.
Macklin is still seen attanding many hurling events such as the Poc fada or when The Premier County are playing.[3]
Macklin won the English Senior ABA Welterweight title at the age of 18 whilst studying law at Coventry University, with a victory against veteran Justin Turley in early 2001.
Professional career
Macklin turned professional in September 2001, winning his first fight at the Bellahouston Sports Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, in which Macklin beat previously undefeated Ram Singh in a first round knockout on an card which included Scottish fighters Scott Harrison, Alex Arthur and Willie Limond.
Macklin fights out of the Billy Graham's Gym in Manchester and is promoted by Irishman Brian Peters. Macklin is a former Irish Middleweight Title holder. In September 2006, he was defeated in a fight of the year contender bout against Manchester's Jamie Moore for the British Light Middleweight Title which took place at the George Carnell Leisure Centre, Davyhulme, Manchester, England.
There has been speculation of a potential Irish title fight against New York based Derry native John Duddy. In the summer of 2006 Macklin made a guest appearance in Dublin to hand over the Irish middleweight title to fellow stablemate Dubliner Jim Rock.
At post fight press conference John Duddy's matchmaker Jim Borzell stated to Macklin that if he won "the European title then maybe you'll have something John wants." Macklin then replied, "Maybe I have something for him he doesn't want!".[4]
References
- Boxrec. ""Matthew Macklin"". Boxrec Fighter Page. Retrieved 13 October.
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