By Phil D. Jay
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli (32-5, 25KOs) is set to make a decision on whether he will once again lace on the gloves to fight again after he meets with promoter Frank Warren in London on February 7th to discuss his options.
The 30 year-old Welshman was badly knocked out for the fifth time in his career last September against world-rated Alexander Frenkel and has been dipping his toes in to youth coaching of late, which is thought to be one of the options he will discuss with Warren.
Having lost half of his fights in the last three years, it may well be that Maccarinelli will feel he still has something to prove and tightening up his defence will have to be the first thing he works on should he return, but I feel it may be a case of “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Yes, he can bang and that is probably good enough to earn him another European title, but his leaky defence and lack of concentration at times can be his downfall and usually ends up with him taking heavy shots, leading to an eventual KO.
His last knock out against Frenkel was one of the worst refereeing decisions in a British ring, as Finland’s Erkki Meronen allowed Maccarinelli to continue when he was clearly out on his feet and it let to un-necessary punishment and a horrendous knockout punch.
If he does return, then we can look forward to some great domestic dust-ups and maybe a move up to heavyweight would not be a bad idea as it is a lot slower at the higher weight and he will have more speed to avoid the bigger punches.
Enzo v Audley Harrison could be one for Frank Warren to consider, but I can’t see Frank going anywhere near Harrison after his performance against David Haye. If Enzo does step away, which I have a feeling he will, then I hope he does stay in boxing, because boxing needs people like Enzo Maccarinelli.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene as the editor of worldboxingnews.net
