Exclusive: Thirlwall ready for Macklin test

South London Press Richard Crawle26th May, 2009

MATTHEW Thirlwall is ready to face British middleweight champion Matthew Macklin next month - but will only take the fight if his promoter Mick Hennessy agrees a deal with rival Frank Warren.

Warren has pencilled Macklin in for a defence of his belt on June 27 at the O2 Arena in Greenwich - a glitzy show which sees Amir Khan top the bill as he challenges for a world title.

Macklin confirmed last week that Thirlwall, from Bermondsey, is a potential opponent.

But the former Fisher amateur says he isn't sure if the fight will happen.

"I'm not sure if Macklin is just running his mouth off," said the 28-year-old. "If Mick okays it then I'll do it - there's no hesitancy on my part."

Thirlwall improved his record to 19-3 on Saturday at the Watford Colosseum when opponent George Hillyard retired at the end of the fourth round.