Macklin v Pirog in Brum in February

[slapbangwhallop]

Ireland's number one middleweight defends his title in the new year

http://boxrec.com/date_search.php?yyyy=2010&mm=02&dd=19

[Deno1986]

I just watched a good few rounds of Pirog-Jantuah to get a feel for what Macklin is up against. Pirog is a decent boxer-good bodypuncher especially his left hook to the body, he has a very good left uppercut but seems to depend on it a bit too much. When he comes forward he keeps a low defence and has a tendency to keep his chin in the air which I think Matt can exploit with his counter punching. Jantuah didn't move around that much and was a plodding punchbag so to speak. This enabled Pirog to plant his feet and get that left hook and uppercut working so I think if Macklin stays moving and counter-punches he should beat Pirog.

[Deno1986]

As Jimmy Magee would say "Danger here!"

he will be calling Pirog the 'miniture Beast from the East'

[Counter-puncher]

it will be a superb atmosphere. see you there

[Counter-puncher]

Might go to this one. I wonder will there be a big Irish crew at it?

if you're in brum you're never far from the Irish influence

[glahn]

Big potential banana skin for Macklin.

[Counter-puncher]

Big potential banana skin for Macklin.

yeah, but a really intimidating prospect for the away fighter too.

[whiskey]

Pirog is meant to be a beast apparently.

Ive got a few fights of his i will review.

[15829]

i heard because of the cuts he got in his last fight this might be pushed back

[slapbangwhallop]

been watchin all the Pirog fights I could find on youtube. But havent got round to the Jantuah fight which I hear was a wee cracker.

Pirog looks a quality operator. However, slightly predictable. Obviously a traditional pressure fighter, supremely fit and very good footwork - looks really well schooled but very really made any impression at amatuer level.

But like I say he does look a predictable and throws the same combinations. High muffler type guard and then switches to a "Mayweather type" cross guard when he feels comfortable, constantly bobbing and weaving his way in as he walks down the opponant. Loves to throw the double jab from the orthodox stance and then dips down to deliver a heavy right to the body but in doing drops his left to his chest and is open for the counter.

He's also got a mean left to the body which is half a hook and then he flows it up with a corkscrew left uppercut.

I'll be down for this and I've already had a couple of calls from lads from Clare that are coming over.

[charlieb]

Oof! Poor Macklin.

Pirog's a future world champ imo and I'd be very surprised if Macklin's got the beating of him.

[Autobarn]

this fight could be absolute life and death. should be very exciting for fight fans. very dangerous for both camps, i'd say. one of those fights that could really deliver. good for macklin that he has the home advantage.

pirog is a great prospect and this should be a big challenge for macklin and his team.

[WayoftheCass]

Kudos to Macklin for taking this but I fear for him. I actually fancy his chances much more against Sturm and of course Sylvester or even taking a big all Irish fight against Andy Lee for a likely superior pay day. He's no coward that's for sure and his management team must really believe in him.

[jonp]

just had a look at Pirog and wouldnt be surprised if he suffers a flash knockdown or 2 he cross his feet step back square on and changes his stance hes also open to a quick left hook so could see him going over not too badly hurt but his feet are strange to say the least

[boltonkings]

dangerous for macklin pirog looks a super talent, but with just 14 fights and not a great amateur career me feels when push comes to shove he might just be a little to green for battletested macklin

[black panther]

I watched Pirogs fight versus Toygonbayev last night and goiing to check out he Jantuah fight tonight. I have to say, he's very handy and has very good reflexes to be able to slip the punches the way he does. Looks to have a big of a dig on him too though I would say Macklin probably has the better one punch power. He's really good to watch and I could imagine him being very difficult to fight due to the way he slips punches and switches stance. If I was managing Macklin I would definitely avoid this fight but it speaks volumes of both Macklin and his management that they took such a dangerous fight and a great fight for the fans - big respect!

I think if he employs the correct tactics he can win though. Pirog looks great if you allow him to back you up and fight at mid-range where he can make you miss and come back with punches from odd angles. But if Macklin uses intelligent pressure, closes the distance quickly and uses his experience I think he can get to Pirog. Toygonbayev and Jantuah were handy fighters a few years back but now they are both firmly past their best years which were at lightmiddle weight anyway.

Looking forward to the fight, good luck Macklin!

[Counter-puncher]

I watched Pirogs fight versus Toygonbayev last night and goiing to check out he Jantuah fight tonight. I have to say, he's very handy and has very good reflexes to be able to slip the punches the way he does. Looks to have a big of a dig on him too though I would say Macklin probably has the better one punch power. He's really good to watch and I could imagine him being very difficult to fight due to the way he slips punches and switches stance. If I was managing Macklin I would definitely avoid this fight but it speaks volumes of both Macklin and his management that they took such a dangerous fight and a great fight for the fans - big respect!

I think if he employs the correct tactics he can win though. Pirog looks great if you allow him to back you up and fight at mid-range where he can make you miss and come back with punches from odd angles. But if Macklin uses intelligent pressure, closes the distance quickly and uses his experience I think he can get to Pirog. Toygonbayev and Jantuah were handy fighters a few years back but now they are both firmly past their best years which were at lightmiddle weight anyway.

Looking forward to the fight, good luck Macklin!

that strikes me as a solid take on it BP. i watched a bit more of Pirog thinking about what Jon pegg said and he's right, Pirog does funny amateurish things with his feet. if Matty can get good position off to his left/Pirog's right he can do good things with left hooks.