Mail straw poll backs Elcock to win Battle of Birmingham

Mar 13 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

MATTHEW Macklin is the bookies’ odds-on favourite to take the British middleweight crown from Wayne Elcock in the Battle of Brum at the Aston Arena tomorrow tonight.

But a straw poll I carried out among Birmingham fight fans and officials gave the edge to Elcock.

There were three abstentions. Macklin received four votes and Elcock picked up six.

Clearly, it’s going to be close. The no-voters were Charlie Giles, Birmingham’s chairman of the British Boxing Board of Control and legends Robert McCracken and Richie Woodhall.

Giles said: “A Lonsdale Belt costs £6,500 but you cannot buy one, you can only win one.

‘‘One of these is at stake for the two best middleweights in the country and they are both from Birmingham. As a Brummie, I am proud of that.

“Elcock and Macklin have excellent records. Both have had setbacks. Both can box and both can punch. They will both be ready for 12 rounds.

“It’s a match made in heaven and I wish them both the best of luck.”

McCracken and Woodhall admit that they can’t pick a winner, either.

“It’s a fantastic fight and I think it’s a fight the city needs,’’ said McCracken. ‘‘You have two of the best middleweights in the country going at it in their home town and I think their styles will gel to make it a great fight.

“As a boxing fan, you couldn’t wish for a better match-up so I’m really looking forward to it. As regards picking a winner, I think it’s just too close to call really, so may the best man win.”

Woodhall is just as divided. He said: “I can’t split them and, to be honest, I don’t want to as I consider them both friends. It’s a cracking fight for the city and it’s a great time for boxing in Birmingham. To have an all-Birmingham clash of this quality speaks volume for the strength of boxing in the region.