THE 'BATTLE OF BRUM' IS ON

Hennessy Sports9th January, 2009

Wayne Elcock and Matthew Macklin will square off in the 'Battle of Brum' in the biggest Birmingham boxing derby in living memory at the Aston Arena on Saturday, 14th March.

The fight Birmingham has been waiting for will become reality when Elcock makes the second defence of his British Middleweight Title against Mandatory Challenger Macklin, who has won his last six fights since he was stopped by Jamie Moore for the British Light-Middleweight Title in 2006.

The grudge match will be shown live on ITV4 in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd at the Hennessy Sports show and former world title challenger Elcock cannot wait to get it on with his Birmingham rival Macklin.

"There hasn't been a fight like this in Birmingham between two top rated Brummies for as far back as I can remember," said champion Elcock.

"My phone is off the hook at the moment because there's so much interest in it. It's going to be a cracking atmosphere on the night and a cracking fight.

"I will win the fight and have been looking for this opportunity for years, since we turned pro. Matt has been doing all the talking, but there's no need to hype this one because it is just a massive fight without any hype.

"I rate Matt as a decent fighter and this is what Birmingham and British boxing needs - two top fighters squaring off against each other.

"He said he's going to knock me out but he was saying that sort of thing before he fought Jamie Moore and look what happened then."

Elcock had to pull out of scheduled defence last month against Jason McKay because of a leg injury, but he has fully recovered from the fractured fibia.

"My leg is fine and I'm back in the gym full-time now. The December 6th fight was just a bit too soon for me and I needed a longer break for the injury."

"The venue holds just over 2,000 people and I expect a quick sell out for this one as I can't remember a bigger Birmingham boxing derby. There will also be a massive audience on TV for this one. There's a bit of needle between them both and it's boiling up to be a great fight." said promoter Mick Hennessy.

"I am pleased for Wayne as this is a fight he has wanted for a while; I know this fight has highly motivated him"

Tickets will be on sale from Monday 12th January from the Ticketline box office on 0871 424 4444 or via www.ticketline.co.uk

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