ALEX Matvienko is hoping revenge will be short and sweet when he takes on Martin Marshall at Wigan’s Robin Park Centre on Saturday night.
The pair met at the same venue in July, and the Bolton middleweight is still upset having been forced to shared the spoils with the Sunderland stylist, despite them both putting on a good show.
“Things will be different this time,” says Alex.
“Last time he ran from me and I did all the work, but this time he says he’s coming to fight, and that suits me fine.
“It’s my first six rounder as well, which I can’t wait for. Four-round fights are tough because you have to win three rounds to be sure of a decision, otherwise it’s a close call. If you start slowly you’ve had it.
“I felt I beat him first time around, so it’s up to me to make sure of it this time.”
Indeed, Matvienko’s impressive unbeaten record of seven wins and two draws is testament to a couple of decisions which should have gone in his favour.
In his last fight, most onlookers felt the popular ‘One Man Riot’ had convincingly beaten Marshall over four rounds, even taking into account the point taken off him for a debatable low blow.
But referee Steve Gray declared the bout a draw, to the disappointment of the majority. Many, myself included, were sure Matvienko had edged a close fight between two classy boxers with his relentless pressure and a succession of right hands.
It was a closely-fought battle and Marshall put up a good showing but his face was a bruised and bloodied mess at the end.
Alex is confident he will perform as well, if not better, this weekend.
“I thought I certainly won the last fight,” he says.
“Marshall is a good boxer, I take nothing away from him, but I did enough in most peoples eyes to take it.”
Marshall poses another tough test for Matvienko, but where does he see his future.
“I’ve been boxing for 18 months and this is my tenth fight coming up. I’m very happy with my progress,” says Alex.
“This weekend I will be topping the bill, it’s a great feeling and I’m looking forward to it.
“How far can I go in the sport? Who’s to say. I just want to be as good as I can possibly be. I don’t want to leave boxing with any excuses, I want to know that I’ve given my best, and with Humphrey (Harrison) training me I feel I can continue to progress and do well.”
By Martin Williams
A big thanks to Martin Williams for getting this interview for VIPBoxing.com
