Macklin: "Darren's all Bark and no bite"

[Autobarn]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

i agree with most you've said, especially the bit i've highlighted.

my gripe is that some irish fans seem to delight in claiming english fighters for their own, upon discovering that they have some claim to being irish, while slagging off and ridiculing their potential rivals. i bet some of these fans are rubbing their hands together in anticipation of any fighter with a name like murray (john, joe and martin) etc. it just seems a bit transparent.

barker has been ridiucled for his tough showing vs belgecham but no one mentions that macklin couldn't finish off pintos, despite landing brilliant shots that hurt the visitor several times.

they're both good fighters and whoever wins will be ready for something big. i just think it's good that it's likely to happen, finally.

[oliverc]

I think you will find that the video I posted was taken in the US, nothing to do with RTE.

John Barnes (football), Greg Rusedski (tennis), Kevin Pietersen (cricket), Ted Bami (boxing), Graeme Hick (cricket), Matt Stevens (rugby union), Andrew Caddick (cricket), Graeme LeSaux (football), Terry Butcher (football), Matt LeTissier (football), Matt Banahan (rugby union), Brian Stein (football), John Salako (football), Tony Dorigo (football) Luther Blissett (football), Rob Jones (football), Gordon Hodgson (football), Joe Baker (football). Steve Lambert (football) Colin Viljoen (football), Dylan Hartley (rugby union), Peter Nicol (squash), Cyrille Regis (football), Allan Lamb (cricket), Germaine Mason (athletics), Tony Greig (cricket), Zola Budd (athletics), Robin Smith (cricket), Lee Dickson (rugby union), Tim Ambrose (cricket), Pat Barnard (rugby union), Jonathan Trott (cricket), Matt Prior (cricket), Lesley Vainikolo (rugby league and union), Alexander Obolensky (rugby union), Owen Hargreaves (football), Clinton McKenzie (boxing), Takaloo (boxing), Riki Flutey (boxing), Mike Catt (rugby union), Henry Paul (rugby union), Luol Deng (basketball), Olga Butkevich (olympic wrestling) and Linford Christie (athletics) all played for ye and hardly a drop of English blood amongest most of them.

And what about "English cricketers" Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan! And good old Lenaxe! Never threw a punch in England before he won the Olympics for Canada all of a sudden becomes Britains world champion!

Hush now hypocrites!

Now, now, now where to begin?

Greg Rusedki - English mother; Kevin Pietersen - English mother; Matt Stevens - English father; Andrew Caddick - English parents; Terry Butcher - English parents; Joe Baker - born in Liverpool, ENGLAND; Robin Smith - English parents; Lee Dickson - English father; Tim Ambrose - English mother; Pat Barnard - English mother; Jonathan Trott - English father; Matt Prior - English father (not to mention he's lived most of his life here); Owen Hargeaves - English father; Mike Catt - English mother. Jeez even Henry Paul had an English grandfather (tenuous I know). Many of the others you mentioned moved here during their childhood such as Linford Christie, Luther Blissett etc etc. When Lennox turned pro he had lived half of his life in England. Where he happened to be born as you know.

Admittedly there have been some fragant abuses of the regulations - the likes of Flutey, Hartley, Morgan & Joyce have no business representing England.

Furthermore you have listed several examples spanning eighty or so years over a variety of sports. You make it seem as if there is some sort of rampant, sustained pillaging of other nations sportsmen & women. Over the course of time there are bound to be the occasional naturalised citizen representing England.

[slapbangwhallop]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

This statement smacks of typical "English" arrogance and dare I say ignorance. Macklin aint "playing at being Irish" - like I said Frankie Gavin has exactly the same credentials as Macklin but doesnt consider himself primarily Irish, like Macklin has and always has.

No doubt Ireland has had many "professional Paddies" like Andy Townsend, Clinton Morrison et al (just like England have) but Macklin aint one of those - like Kevin Kilbane aint or David Connelly or Aiden McGeady. We know the difference between someone who genuinely considers themselves Irish and those that say they are Irish for easy of marketing. I've spoken to and interviewed Macklin and his knowledge of not only Irish history and sports but day to day modern Irish life has the depth of a born and bred Mick.

As I live over here I am always on the look out for someone with Irish roots to see if they qualify for an Irish title in order to increase the depth of the pool challenges and the frequency of Irish title fights, some aint got a clue about Ireland other than they can get a free pass for a píss up for St. Patricks Day, others have been over a few times to see family, some consider themselves to have dual nationality and some consider themselves primarily Irish - Macklin falls into the latter category.

[slapbangwhallop]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

i agree with most you've said, especially the bit i've highlighted.

my gripe is that some irish fans seem to delight in claiming english fighters for their own, upon discovering that they have some claim to being irish, while slagging off and ridiculing their potential rivals. i bet some of these fans are rubbing their hands together in anticipation of any fighter with a name like murray (john, joe and martin) etc. it just seems a bit transparent.

barker has been ridiucled for his tough showing vs belgecham but no one mentions that macklin couldn't finish off pintos, despite landing brilliant shots that hurt the visitor several times.

they're both good fighters and whoever wins will be ready for something big. i just think it's good that it's likely to happen, finally.

your bitterness is almost audable.

We aint "claiming" anyone - we've enough Irish-Americans to last us then lifetimes if we need back up.

What rivals have "the Irish" been slagging off? Munroe never got abuse when he was being paired up with Dunne! I'll tell you who gets slagged off - Barker!

The reason? Probably because English fans were singing his praises so highly whilst referring to John Duddy and Andy Lee as "bums" or "hype jobs". I always contended that the three were on a similar level - in my opinion Lee has the most talent of the three and Duddy the biggest heart and strongest chin. I was frequently laughed off threads. The events of the last six months have silence much of the derision.

[simonsays]

Barker to ko all 3 IMO! Barker faded in his last fight but for the best part of the fight he looked a million dollars it just shows what he is capable of if he gets it right. Also darren is the kind of guy who is better when the oppo is stronger so I honestly believe were yet to see the best of barker which is very exciting! I respect and enjoy watching all the current and past Irish fighters but I think the 3 Irish fighters Ireland have to offer as far as potential opponents for darren are just not on his level and strongly fancy him to stop all 3 looking at all of the other guys loses. I just pray macklin don't bottle it again and faces darren cos I really bloody want to see this happen. slapbang these are my views on precedings please don't bite my proud English head off just for backing barker!!

[puertorock408]

Fair play to Macklin for wanting this fight when he could probably go for a less high profile fight for a non-descript world title. This fight would be a must see and a domestic classic!

Well enough with the round robbie bullshit of this nobody fighting nobody in the uk I represent kassim ouma and we want a piece of macklin or rhodes

[slapbangwhallop]

Barker to ko all 3 IMO! Barker faded in his last fight but for the best part of the fight he looked a million dollars it just shows what he is capable of if he gets it right. Also darren is the kind of guy who is better when the oppo is stronger so I honestly believe were yet to see the best of barker which is very exciting! I respect and enjoy watching all the current and past Irish fighters but I think the 3 Irish fighters Ireland have to offer as far as potential opponents for darren are just not on his level and strongly fancy him to stop all 3 looking at all of the other guys loses. I just pray macklin don't bottle it again and faces darren cos I really bloody want to see this happen. slapbang these are my views on precedings please don't bite my proud English head off just for backing barker!!

I think all three are relatively evenly match actually, especially when you weigh up all the variables. I wouldnt be puttin me house on any of the Irish trio to beat Barker to be honest. Maybe Barker would and could beat all three but I am a little puzzled with regards what you have seen in the Irish trio that makes you think that Barker could knock out any let alone all three. The only one that has a suspect beard so far is Barker. Duddy has taken multiple flush shots to his rin-tin off bigger bangers than Barker and never wobbled let alone be put down or stopped.

[puertorock408]

why did macklin leave the hattons? they have the money and connections in america to get him a title shot, it's funyn how macklin says that he hopes barkr doesn't try and duck him when macklin ducked barker on several occasions barker wins a UD for me

Kassim Ouma is going to beat the living crap ot of the first one he fights guaranteed we want it LEts go guys get a hold of me [email protected] niether has beat a world champ so lets go

[slapbangwhallop]

why did macklin leave the hattons? they have the money and connections in america to get him a title shot, it's funyn how macklin says that he hopes barkr doesn't try and duck him when macklin ducked barker on several occasions barker wins a UD for me

Kassim Ouma is going to beat the living crap ot of the first one he fights guaranteed we want it LEts go guys get a hold of me [email protected] niether has beat a world champ so lets go

Isnt Kasim Irish???

No really, isnt he Irish!

[puertorock408]

Golden boy not got British tv deal to my knowledge!

wasnt Richie Rich over here this week trying to sort that out.

Also why does Macklin need British TV?

let it be known matthew macklin is ducking uk deal or not wed take him on here in america if he has the balls

[HomeOfBritishBoxing]

Barker to ko all 3 IMO! Barker faded in his last fight but for the best part of the fight he looked a million dollars it just shows what he is capable of if he gets it right. Also darren is the kind of guy who is better when the oppo is stronger so I honestly believe were yet to see the best of barker which is very exciting! I respect and enjoy watching all the current and past Irish fighters but I think the 3 Irish fighters Ireland have to offer as far as potential opponents for darren are just not on his level and strongly fancy him to stop all 3 looking at all of the other guys loses. I just pray macklin don't bottle it again and faces darren cos I really bloody want to see this happen. slapbang these are my views on precedings please don't bite my proud English head off just for backing barker!!

I think all three are relatively evenly match actually, especially when you weigh up all the variables. I wouldnt be puttin me house on any of the Irish trio to beat Barker to be honest. Maybe Barker would and could beat all three but I am a little puzzled with regards what you have seen in the Irish trio that makes you think that Barker could knock out any let alone all three. The only one that has a suspect beard so far is Barker. Duddy has taken multiple flush shots to his rin-tin off bigger bangers than Barker and never wobbled let alone be put down or stopped.

slapbang, alot is said about barker's so called "suspect chin" i have never seen him badly shaken, when iv seen him get knocked down he has been off balance and never badly hurt, your right tho i doubt barker would stop lee or duddy, i think he has a chance of stopping macklin late.. a la moore-macklin. but i would think barker takes mak the kinfe on points

[HomeOfBritishBoxing]

why did macklin leave the hattons? they have the money and connections in america to get him a title shot, it's funyn how macklin says that he hopes barkr doesn't try and duck him when macklin ducked barker on several occasions barker wins a UD for me

Kassim Ouma is going to beat the living crap ot of the first one he fights guaranteed we want it LEts go guys get a hold of me [email protected] niether has beat a world champ so lets go

kassim has done well in his career, but has lost 4 of his last 5 bouts and is past his best, barker macklin and lee would all beat him i feel, would be good to have a former world champ on there records,

[brian13]

Why does Hennessy keep bidding for fights?

Probably because he doesn't want Barker to take this fight. Good thing Wazza has this fight. I am getting a slight feeling we may see it in Ireland with Frankie Gavin going for an Irish title. Mild guess but you never know.

hennessy is bidding because he doesn't want it to be in ireland, he wants it in london, is macklin managed by warren?

Hennessy doesn't want the fight because if Barker loses which he will he has to start back from British level being that he lost the European belt. This loss is potentially going to finish Barker if he loses the fight.

[puertorock408]

macklins a weenie who has been fighting in the round robin of nobodies were going to destroy him he cant hang with kassims volume punches and speed he will get destroyed this is the official call out let them contact me if he wants it 4086273425 or email me at [email protected] these boys havent been in with half the guys kassim has

[HomeOfBritishBoxing]

Probably because he doesn't want Barker to take this fight. Good thing Wazza has this fight. I am getting a slight feeling we may see it in Ireland with Frankie Gavin going for an Irish title. Mild guess but you never know.

hennessy is bidding because he doesn't want it to be in ireland, he wants it in london, is macklin managed by warren?

Hennessy doesn't want the fight because if Barker loses which he will he has to start back from British level being that he lost the European belt. This loss is potentially going to finish Barker if he loses the fight.

macklin duckd barker for years, barker will take the fight anytime anyplace

[winkveron]

Fair play to Macklin for wanting this fight when he could probably go for a less high profile fight for a non-descript world title. This fight would be a must see and a domestic classic!

Well enough with the round robbie bullshit of this nobody fighting nobody in the uk I represent kassim ouma and we want a piece of macklin or rhodes

Haha. How has this cock not been banned yet!?!

PS your boy hasn't won a meaningful fight for over 4 years.

[Bomber 1]

Hennessy beat him for Cleverly vs McIntosh did he not ? .

He did mate yeah, But if you looked at the fight and Clev's plan he played it just right, Like when Calzaghe boxed Veit for the second time..

[Bomber 1]

It's obvious Macklin is getting coverage in the US for Ouma to be calling him out??? Ouma must be stuck for a meaningful fight, Rhodes Vs Ouma for the WBC title anyone?? Ryan is the most deserving fighter in Britian of a world title fight!!! Get him a shot at the WBC!!! Let the whole country get behind him too!!

[Autobarn]

Hennessy beat him for Cleverly vs McIntosh did he not ? .

He did mate yeah, But if you looked at the fight and Clev's plan he played it just right, Like when Calzaghe boxed Veit for the second time..

yeah but in the latter case british viewers weren't able to see the fight live, which was frustrating. we had to wait for an ITV highlights replay some weeks later (i believe) and it wasn't until eurosport (must have been several months later) that we got to see the full fight.

[potnoodle]

Fight will be in Manchester around october time i reckon? FW winning the bids by 450euro's is suspect!!! Barker to bark and bite all over Macklin.

[banjo]

As for Andy Lee,he was born in London to Irish parents and came back to ireland in his teens,GB wanted him to fight for them in the Olympics in Athens but fought with Ireland as he regards himself 100% irish and would also never walk behind a union jack,hope this clears up a few points.

We are all aware how a lot of you hate Britain and the union flag and how crap it is to be walking near one but why can't Macklin be Irish and British? His parents are Irish and he was brought in Birmingham - isn't Macklin's identity for his to choose?

I am Welsh and Peruvian but brought up in Wigan - can anyone top that? I don't think so!

I'm Irish, Spanish and Scandinavian which is why I'm "tick"(Irish), like to sleep in the day(Spanish) and sometimes get a bit rapey(Scandinavian) and brought up in Southport

[whiskey]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

This statement smacks of typical "English" arrogance and dare I say ignorance. Macklin aint "playing at being Irish" - like I said Frankie Gavin has exactly the same credentials as Macklin but doesnt consider himself primarily Irish, like Macklin has and always has.

No doubt Ireland has had many "professional Paddies" like Andy Townsend, Clinton Morrison et al (just like England have) but Macklin aint one of those - like Kevin Kilbane aint or David Connelly or Aiden McGeady. We know the difference between someone who genuinely considers themselves Irish and those that say they are Irish for easy of marketing. I've spoken to and interviewed Macklin and his knowledge of not only Irish history and sports but day to day modern Irish life has the depth of a born and bred Mick.

As I live over here I am always on the look out for someone with Irish roots to see if they qualify for an Irish title in order to increase the depth of the pool challenges and the frequency of Irish title fights, some aint got a clue about Ireland other than they can get a free pass for a píss up for St. Patricks Day, others have been over a few times to see family, some consider themselves to have dual nationality and some consider themselves primarily Irish - Macklin falls into the latter category.

So Im ignorant and arrogant.. and English ?

I say your the one clawing and embracing the Brummie as an Irishman.

He was born, raised and educated to University level in the Midlands. He boxed as amatuer for an English club and turned professional in England.

In 26 fights he has boxed 4 times for Ireland.

His first mission as a pro, was the English light middle title... which he lost to facey.

Then he went after the Irish title. Then returned back for the British title.. and lost to Moore.

Eventually he won the British by beating up Wayne Elcock.. in a fight titled "Battle of Brum"

I rest my case

[HomeOfBritishBoxing]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

This statement smacks of typical "English" arrogance and dare I say ignorance. Macklin aint "playing at being Irish" - like I said Frankie Gavin has exactly the same credentials as Macklin but doesnt consider himself primarily Irish, like Macklin has and always has.

No doubt Ireland has had many "professional Paddies" like Andy Townsend, Clinton Morrison et al (just like England have) but Macklin aint one of those - like Kevin Kilbane aint or David Connelly or Aiden McGeady. We know the difference between someone who genuinely considers themselves Irish and those that say they are Irish for easy of marketing. I've spoken to and interviewed Macklin and his knowledge of not only Irish history and sports but day to day modern Irish life has the depth of a born and bred Mick.

As I live over here I am always on the look out for someone with Irish roots to see if they qualify for an Irish title in order to increase the depth of the pool challenges and the frequency of Irish title fights, some aint got a clue about Ireland other than they can get a free pass for a píss up for St. Patricks Day, others have been over a few times to see family, some consider themselves to have dual nationality and some consider themselves primarily Irish - Macklin falls into the latter category.

So Im ignorant and arrogant.. and English ?

I say your the one clawing and embracing the Brummie as an Irishman.

He was born, raised and educated to University level in the Midlands. He boxed as amatuer for an English club and turned professional in England.

In 26 fights he has boxed 4 times for Ireland.

His first mission as a pro, was the English light middle title... which he lost to facey.

Then he went after the Irish title. Then returned back for the British title.. and lost to Moore.

Eventually he won the British by beating up Wayne Elcock.. in a fight titled "Battle of Brum"

I rest my case

well said!

[slapbangwhallop]

So to crystallise the thread, Macklin originally viewed Barker as maybe a guy he felt he could possibly beat, but that he was a serious banana skin that could derail his world title ambitions, so side-stepped it.

Now his big-fight opportunities have not materialised, combined with a lacklustre display by Barker against a tougher than expected opponent, he has now decided to grab the nettle.

With regards his nationality... fair play to him. If he wants to try and embrace some of that Irish fan base, despite he was born and bred in Brum, then that's his prerogative. Naturally some Irishmen will see straight through this angle - but many will blindly embrace it and argue his credentials to the death (when in truth they will privately admit it's a tad cynical).

With regards the match-up itself, whilst Macklin is a strong guy and serious puncher early doors, Barker is very tidy and elusive early doors himself. Both have shown a slow-down in the later rounds.

Amin and Elcock played straight into Macklin's impressive power, wheras Barker will be much tighter and careful.

The longer the fight goes on, the stronger Barker's chances are for nicking a points win grow for me - especially if Macklin goes looking to throw power shots, aiming for a stoppage win.

Macklin will rightly be the bookies favourite given his accomplishments, but Barker is a very live underdog.

All in all a good fight and one I'm pleased Macklin has now taken. May the best man win !

This statement smacks of typical "English" arrogance and dare I say ignorance. Macklin aint "playing at being Irish" - like I said Frankie Gavin has exactly the same credentials as Macklin but doesnt consider himself primarily Irish, like Macklin has and always has.

No doubt Ireland has had many "professional Paddies" like Andy Townsend, Clinton Morrison et al (just like England have) but Macklin aint one of those - like Kevin Kilbane aint or David Connelly or Aiden McGeady. We know the difference between someone who genuinely considers themselves Irish and those that say they are Irish for easy of marketing. I've spoken to and interviewed Macklin and his knowledge of not only Irish history and sports but day to day modern Irish life has the depth of a born and bred Mick.

As I live over here I am always on the look out for someone with Irish roots to see if they qualify for an Irish title in order to increase the depth of the pool challenges and the frequency of Irish title fights, some aint got a clue about Ireland other than they can get a free pass for a píss up for St. Patricks Day, others have been over a few times to see family, some consider themselves to have dual nationality and some consider themselves primarily Irish - Macklin falls into the latter category.

So Im ignorant and arrogant.. and English ?

I say your the one clawing and embracing the Brummie as an Irishman.

He was born, raised and educated to University level in the Midlands. He boxed as amatuer for an English club and turned professional in England.

In 26 fights he has boxed 4 times for Ireland.

His first mission as a pro, was the English light middle title... which he lost to facey.

Then he went after the Irish title. Then returned back for the British title.. and lost to Moore.

Eventually he won the British by beating up Wayne Elcock.. in a fight titled "Battle of Brum"

I rest my case

there is a fundamental flaw in your argument which is - I am not claiming Macklin is Irish - Macklin is stating he is Irish - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5f2NyWplMg&feature=fvst

If he said he was English I would still support him. Interesting the amount of bigots on here that are so upset that he identifies as Irish. Actually its pretty sad.

[jonp]

To be fair iv heard plenty of times from Mattys mouth that hes proud to be a brummie.I think its possible to represent both and matty being the astute fella he is wont tell an irishman hes english and he wont tell an english crowd hes not proud to be british.