By Ryan Burton

Thomas & Mack, Las Vegas - Middleweight contender Matthew Macklin (29-4) was able to get back in the winner's circle after his dominant TKO victory over Joachim Alcine (33-3-1). Macklin jumped on Alcine early by dropping him twice in the opening minute of the fight. He then unleashed a flurry of punches and Alcine didn't answer. Referee Jay Nady was forced to stop the fight at the 2:36 mark of the first round.  Before the fight Macklin had said that he hoped a dominating win would lead him to a fight against the Chavez-Martinez winner. His performance definitely didn't hurt his chances.