BoxRec

http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/BN08/detail.asp?id=1346

Rather than debating his nationality perhaps we could discuss his credibility at world level. After a non-title bout next month and a European defence against Pirog in the new year, can Matthew become a bonafide world champion in late 2010? He believes so. Doesn't appear that the Barker bout will happen though; for genuine reasons.

steve689 wrote: can Matthew become a bonafide world champion in late 2010? He believes so. Doesn't appear that the Barker bout will happen though; for genuine reasons.

well, it depends what is classed a "bona-fide" world champion.

Assuming Barker beats Elcock, then in an ideal world he should at least aim to beat Barker, before challenging for the world title.

In the "real" world, it doesn't work like that, of course.

There isn't a bona-fide world champion- just several boxers who have had the opportunity to fight for various versions of the belt.

Macklin has has a start-stop career for various reasons up to this point: it is good to see him seizing the momentum his career has gained.

Macklin has always had faith in his own ability and is a real scholar of the game - a 'boxing man' through and through, as they say.

I think he can beat the long armed Pirog without too much difficulty and then can move on to face Pavlik. They could sell a Macklin fight as a volutary defence based on his Irish roots and box-fighter style.

It would be nice to see Macklin stop at British level and mop up the likes of Barker, but knowing the fierce ambition he has, he will want to move through the levels as quickly as possible and see where he can go.

At worst if he gets beaten an Euro/World level then the likes of Barker will be waiting for him back on the domestic front.

ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

He could perhaps outbox Macklin for a period of time but would his whiskers hold out for 12 rounds?

If Conroy McIntosh can floor Barker twice, Macklin has got to think he can repeat the trick...

TerribleTerry wrote:

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

He could perhaps outbox Macklin for a period of time but would his whiskers hold out for 12 rounds?

If Conroy McIntosh can floor Barker twice, Macklin has got to think he can repeat the trick...

dont be fooled. barker has a good chin. and is tougher then he looks.better stamina aswell

TerribleTerry wrote:

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

He could perhaps outbox Macklin for a period of time but would his whiskers hold out for 12 rounds?

If Conroy McIntosh can floor Barker twice, Macklin has got to think he can repeat the trick...

so you think barker has a weak chin?? mcintosh was along time ago mate

macklin needs a reality check pavlik would spark him out

TerribleTerry wrote:

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

He could perhaps outbox Macklin for a period of time but would his whiskers hold out for 12 rounds?

If Conroy McIntosh can floor Barker twice, Macklin has got to think he can repeat the trick...

Point is, these two should get it on before either boxer even talks about world title shots.

Reality is it won't happen.

landon wrote:macklin needs a reality check pavlik would spark him out

Quite possibly, but what is the point in competing in a sport if you don't have ambitions to test yourself against the best?

Dave Green stood no chance against Sugar Ray Leonard. Do you think he shouldn't have taken that fight?

Boxing is a sport of levels - Pavlik showed Lockett the difference between British and World class.

Maybe he could do the same to Macklin, maybe not? I for one would like to find out.

I think Barker may be back on Macklins radar if Macklin fights Dimitry Pirog. Pirog is pencilled in to fight Macklin in feb (I think), and I fear the heavy handed Russian will blow Macklin away.

pirog is very average,mathew will have no problems there

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:

TerribleTerry wrote:

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

He could perhaps outbox Macklin for a period of time but would his whiskers hold out for 12 rounds?

If Conroy McIntosh can floor Barker twice, Macklin has got to think he can repeat the trick...

so you think barker has a weak chin?? mcintosh was along time ago mate

I should point out I really like Barker, but people also forget he was dropped against Samuels - the disgraceful refereeing in that bout means people only see the result on paper, but those who watched it know the score.
I think it's perfectly reasonable to question Barker's chin at this stage, while acknowledging his undoubted talent.

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

I'm intrigued. What makes you think that?

slapbangwhallop wrote:

MrBoxingUK2 wrote:ofcourse barker aint in macklins plans. barker would school him in my opinion

I'm intrigued. What makes you think that?

barker is a better boxer.plus has better stamina.

Unless Pavlik stays off the piss, he won't be sparking anyone out.

More on Macklin:

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2009/matthe ... i-am-today