Macklin - Martinez has had his day

Matthew Macklin intends on making his opponent feel every day of his 37 years tomorrow night.

The brick-fisted Brummie challengers pound-for-pounder Sergio Martinez for the WBC Diamond middleweight title and the right to be called the best middleweight on the planet at New York's Madison Square Garden on Saturday evening [March 17].

Though many are tipping the Argentinian to know too much and register his 49th professional victory in 53 [two draws and 27 stoppages], Macklin plans on making his opponent, who stopped ex-British, Commonwealth and European boss Darren Barker last time out, use those 37-year-old legs.

Former British and two-time continental champion Macklin had his first amateur contest on St Patrick's Day in 1994 and, 18 years later, stands on the precipice of greatness. The Irish-rooted West Midlander controversial lost in a challenge for the WBA title in Germany last summer, conceding a 12-round split to Felix Sturm, in a fight the majority had him winning.

But the 29-year-old is insistent that everything happens for a reason and that the long, hard road, including a heavy knockout loss to Jamie Moore in a British 11st title challenge in 2006, will be worth it after the 36-minute bout with the Californian-based southpaw.

"It's been a long road to get here," began the ardent Birmingham City supporter from Solihull, 28-3 (19). "I've won Irish, British and European titles - and got stiffed out of winning the WBA world title against Felix Sturm last summer. But everything happens for reason and that performance brought me here, to face the best in the division.

"Since i started boxing on St Patrick's Day in 1994, at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham, I've always believed i could go all the way in the sport. On Saturday i get the chance to do that but also to beat not only the best middleweight on earth but one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in any weight division.

"Every dog has his day but he is 37 years old and i'm going to make him feel every single day of those. There will be, without doubt, a new world middleweight champion by Sunday morning," he roared.

Image courtesy of Ed Diller/ DiBella Entertainment.