Brum big hitters Matthew Macklin and Frankie Gavin ready for next step

Dec 5 2009 by Ian Johnson, Birmingham Mail

OKAY, let’s not mess about. Matthew Macklin on points, Frankie Gavin to win in three rounds and Amir Khan in seven – and I’m having a fiver on each one!

Macklin’s sensational two knockouts in less than four rounds to win the British title and then the European crown have seen him shoot up the world rankings.

He is now rated fourth with the WBO, fifth with the IBF and eighth with the WBC.

With a world title shot on the horizon Macklin knows he simply can’t afford any slip-ups when he takes on Uruguayan champion Sosa Pintos at the Dublin National Stadium – and I’ll be there to watch him.

Pintos has an excellent record of 34 wins from his 38 professional contests and, having fought in Australia and Germany previously, the South American is no stranger to fighting on the road.

Macklin turned 27 earlier this year and his career really seems to have come of age in 2009.

“It’s fair to say I’ve had my ups and downs since turning professional back in 2001 but it’s all been a learning curve,’’ he said. “This year I think I’ve raised my game to another level because of the opportunities that came my way and my whole mental approach is completely different now.”

Macklin’s two back-to-back knockout British and European title victories suggest that his power will be a factor at the highest level but he insists it is not something he’s tempted to rely on.

“In both of those fights the plan was to outbox my opponent and not be overly aggressive in the early rounds but the power is obviously there, it’s just a case of letting it flow naturally,’’ he said.

‘‘I knocked out Wayne Elcock with my right hand and Amin Asikainen with the left so that was pretty satisfying to prove that I can punch with either hand.”

Macklin, however, believes he could be in for a longer night against Sosa Pintos but he’s not unduly bothered.

“I certainly won’t be going in there looking to knock him out because I think he’s the kind of opponent that will take a while to break down so I’m going to be patient and take my time and if the stoppage comes it comes.’’

Over to Newcastle. Former world amateur kingpin Gavin has already taken four huge strides towards his dream of becoming the professional world champion.

He is about to take his fifth against Frenchman Samir Tergaoui and is planning on a quick-route success as in his previous outings, which have all been won on stoppages.

I asked Gavin what he knew about Tergaoui. He replied: “Nothing. He doesn’t concern me.

‘‘I will have respect for him as I do for all of my opponents but the only thing that counts is my performance and keeping the hundreds of Brummie fans happy.

“I have made a decent start to my professional career and it’s all about targets.

‘‘My next aim is to win the British title next year. I will need another three or four fights before I am ready but I am on course to get there,” added the hungry southpaw from the Hall Green club.

It doesn’t bother me that Khan has been decked a few times and knocked out.

That happened to him when he had no defence in his armoury. He has learned and quickly that it’s a silly and dangerous thing to leave your chin exposed.

Against Andreas Kotelnik, when he won the WBA light-welterweight title, Khan produced for the first time a cultured and thoroughly professional performance.

He now knows how to win boxing matches and also reduce the risks.

His boxing education is complete, although he still has a lot more experience to glean.

His defence tonight against unbeaten and highly acclaimed Dmitriy Salita will not be easy.

He will have to think as though he was playing chess. He will have to be streetwise.

He is now well capable of that and I look forward to an early end to what should be a hugely entertaining encounter.