Matthew Macklin vs Felix Sturm

It's not often an Irish fighter challenges for a world title and you would think that such an event would generate major interest from the Irish media and public, but unfortunately Matthew Macklin who takes on the formidable Felix Sturm in Cologne this weekend, has been unable to generate the kind of interest as Dublin native Bernard Dunne and Limerick hero Willie Casey. Matthew has earned this fight the hard way, battling through the Irish, British and European ranks and winning the European middleweight title with a vicious 1 round KO victory over a decent Amin Asikainen. Whereas fighters such Dunne captured the hearts of the country at an early stage in their career, Matthew fought mostly under the radar of the casual Irish boxing fans. The Sturm fight has given the Tipperary Tornado an opportunity to gain the mainstream attention he deserves. Felix Sturm is a bonafide world champion with an impressive resume and has held the WBA mw title since 2006. Macklin most certainly has his work cut out for him and the bookies barely give him a chance at a long 3/1.Matt can win this and he is being vastly underestimated by many (and lets hope by Sturm also). Sturm fights with a strong high guard which makes up for a lack in head movement, he likes to use his powerful jab to set up his favoured right hook. He has power in both hands and if he catches Macklin with his strong overhand right it could be game over. However his tendency to load up on shots means his punch output is not tremendously high and therein lies Matt's best chance. To win this fight Matt must establish his jab early, Sturm defense does not allow for quick counters so Matt must throw double and triple jabs in large volumes. This will allow him to maintain control over the early rounds. As the fight progresses Macklin must do what he does best, throw punches in bunches and target the body. By staying busy, constantly moving and outworking Sturm, Matthew can take this on points.