Every boxer dreams of one day headlining a boxing event in their hometown.
Well on Saturday night Matthew Macklin from Birmingham did just that as he closed ‘The Magnificent 7’ event at the LG Arena, on a bill that included blockbusting fights such as Derek Chisora vs Sam Sexton and Michael Jennings vs Kell brook.
The entrance of Matt Macklin finally gave his home crowd something to cheer about as there had been some huge disappointments and let downs earlier in the night.
It was a sweet night for Macklin, although it wasn’t against the opponent he had hoped for. A potential mammmoth clash against Darren Barker had previously been signed for the card, but due to injury Barker was forced to pull out, a real kick in the teeth for Macklin who had hoped to take Barker’s British, Commonwealth and European titles from him.
Nevertheless Macklin didn’t let the Barker drop-out faze him and went about his business as usual, handing the durable Georgian the 3rd loss of his career, stopping him for the 1st ever time, and in impressive fashion!
Macklin won all five of the rounds that the fight lasted, displaying a very mature, tactical performance. He used his jab very effectively and set himself up for a number of great combos. The uppercut proved to be a fantastic weapon for him on the night catching Jomardashvili cold on a number of occasions. Another attribute he used to deadly effect was the body work. He consistently worked the body of his opponent and disguised his assaults with great effect, wearing his opponent right down.
As the bell sounded for the 5th round, Jomardashvili realised he needed to do something. His response? To come out gung-ho with all guns blazing.
Unfortunately for him, this was the moment Macklin had been waiting for, he bided his time and as Jomardashvili rushed in, he countered him with a huge left hook to the head. Macklin followed up with a barrage of punches, at this point Jomardashvili looked ready to go when the bell sounded and saved him.
It proved to be indecisive though as Jomardashvili’s corner pulled him out, handing Macklin the 27th win of his career.
What next for Macklin then?
Well the world is his oyster now as you might say, there’s still that possibility of the domestic clash with Darren Barker taking place, but the likely scenario will be that he moves on to pastures new, the pastures being the world scene! And with the skills he possesses, and under the guidance of Freddie Roach, that isn’t a bad idea at all!
