Tweet
Former cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli is on the brink of retirement after a crushing three-round defeat to Denis Lebedev at the MEN Arena on Saturday night.
The Welshman never got into the fight and struggled to land punches against the tricky southpaw from Moscow. It all meant a third defeat in four for the former WBO king and speaking exclusively to Sky Box Office, the Swansea fighter admitted he is unlikely to carry on.
"It looks like it (retirement), to be honest I'm just devastated," he said. "I don't think I've got it anymore. I trained hard but nothing went right for me, I felt a bit gun-shy."
Maccarinelli struggled from the first bell and was punished with an early attack to the body. Certainly the former Russian light-heavyweight champion looked a strange choice of opponent, particularly for a fighter trying to rebuild his career after a heavy defeat.
It soon became clear that Maccarinelli's confidence had taken a pasting in that loss to Ola Afolabi back in March. Every punch seemed to shake him and Lebedev was allowed to march forward and unload shots at will.
As early as the second round Maccarinelli was relying on single shots as he neglected his jab and hoped his power would get him out of trouble. But the Russian simply stepped in and out of range and was rarely troubled.
The end when it came was sooner then expected, but Maccarinelli could have no complaints.
A clean uppercut rocked the Welshman and before he could regain his senses Lebedev pounced unleashing wide punches as Maccarinelli was trapped on the ropes.
One right in particular had the former WBO champion reeling and a merciful Terry O'Connor stepped in to end the contest.
While Maccarinelli's career is now all but over, Lebedeve - also promoted by Frank Warren - could be on the brink of causing a stir in the not too intimidating cruiserweight division.
SOURCE:SkySports
The Welshman never got into the fight and struggled to land punches against the tricky southpaw from Moscow. It all meant a third defeat in four for the former WBO king and speaking exclusively to Sky Box Office, the Swansea fighter admitted he is unlikely to carry on.
"It looks like it (retirement), to be honest I'm just devastated," he said. "I don't think I've got it anymore. I trained hard but nothing went right for me, I felt a bit gun-shy."
Maccarinelli struggled from the first bell and was punished with an early attack to the body. Certainly the former Russian light-heavyweight champion looked a strange choice of opponent, particularly for a fighter trying to rebuild his career after a heavy defeat.
It soon became clear that Maccarinelli's confidence had taken a pasting in that loss to Ola Afolabi back in March. Every punch seemed to shake him and Lebedev was allowed to march forward and unload shots at will.
As early as the second round Maccarinelli was relying on single shots as he neglected his jab and hoped his power would get him out of trouble. But the Russian simply stepped in and out of range and was rarely troubled.
The end when it came was sooner then expected, but Maccarinelli could have no complaints.
A clean uppercut rocked the Welshman and before he could regain his senses Lebedev pounced unleashing wide punches as Maccarinelli was trapped on the ropes.
One right in particular had the former WBO champion reeling and a merciful Terry O'Connor stepped in to end the contest.
While Maccarinelli's career is now all but over, Lebedeve - also promoted by Frank Warren - could be on the brink of causing a stir in the not too intimidating cruiserweight division.
SOURCE:SkySports
Comment