The Hitman believes Macklin can cause an upset

by Jonny Stapleton
Former pound for pound contender Ricky Hatton believes Matthew Macklin has a ‘wonderful chance’ of defeating the greatest middleweight on the planet this Saturday night.

The former two weight world champ, who now promotes and trains Belfast prospect Ryan Burnett, claims the Irish middleweight can emulate him and make an impression at the highest level.

‘The Hitman’ admits ‘Mack The Knife’ is up against it going into the eagerly anticipated clash, but warned the  former British and European champion is an underdog that will bite back.

The Manchester legend, who has worked with the Buddy McGirt trained pro previously and is a close friend, also believes the failed Felix Sturm world title challenge will stand Macklin in good stead.

“Matthew has a wonderful chance against Martinez, but he is underdog again. He finds himself in the same situation as he did against Sturm,” Hatton told Mirror Sport. “He was underdog that night but went and proved he belongs at world level. Matthew has always excelled when he isn’t quite as fancied. He will be confident after the display he put in against Sturm. Not to mention he has seen Darren Barker do well against Martinez and he will draw inspiration from that.”