Macklin proud to be bringing big time boxing back to Dublin-but warns Heiland will be coming to ruin the party

HE has challenged for a world title on no fewer than three occasions, shared the ring with Sergio Martinez, Gennady Golovkin and Felix Sturm among others and won Irish, British and European titles, but bringing big time boxing back to Dublin is one of the proudest moments of Matthew Macklin’s career.
Macklin is delighted to return home and top a National Stadium Sky Sports August 30 show and revealed plans to bring the Bernard Dunne factor back to the capital.

If he emerges unscathed from his WBC International title fight with Jorge Sebastian Heiland he will be on course of to fight Martin Murray, Andy Lee or one of the middleweight champions in the 02 in November- and there was even talk of a fight journey that could lead to Croke Park.

Speaking at GAA head quarters today ‘Mack The Knife’ said,

“Irish boxing has been crying out for big time boxing to come back to Dublin. We haven’t had it since the days of Bernard Dunne. He was packing out The Point which is the O2 now in European title fights and went on to win a World title, so to be the one to be bringing big time boxing back to Ireland with Eddie (Hearn) and Sky Sports makes me very proud.”

Macklin, however is aware the best laid plans often go astray, and claims Heiland is a fighter capable of throwing a spanner in the works.

The ‘Tipperary Tornado’ could have taken a gimme 10 rounder, but true to form accepted the challenge knowing a win will put him right back in the world title mix. However he warns Heiland will be coming to town hoping to take a scalp and ruin Macklin’s homecoming.

“We were initially looking at a 10 round comfortable enough stay busy fight because I haven’t fought since I fought Lamar Russ in December. When the opportunity came up to fight Heiland in a WBC world title eliminator it was too big to turn down. I want to be in big fights and I have always taken on the biggest and the best fighters available. I believe to be the best you have to beat the best. This fight throws me straight back in the mix. I want to be fighting for World titles,” added the former Irish champ.

“Fair play to Eddie he lived up to his part of the bargain and I have to go and do my business in the ring. This fight is a proper fight he isn’t coming here to make up the numbers. He is the WBC international champion and he is here to win the fight and beat the biggest name he has ever fought. A win over me would catapult him back into contention. I can’t wait to fight in the Stadium, it is the home of Irish boxing. I think August 30 is going to be atmosphere and career wise a special fight.”