Martinez vs. Macklin: Preview, Start Time, Live Streaming and Schedule

When boxing heads to Madison Square Garden, you know it is a big deal. Sergio Martinez will look to keep his hot streak going as he defends The Ring and WBC Diamond Middleweight titles against Matthew Macklin. 

Martinez has been on fire since losing his first fight with Paul Williams in December 2009, winning four consecutive bouts. His last three wins have come either via knockout or TKO. His opposition hasn't been great, so there are questions about how good he really is. 

Macklin is getting a title shot despite losing his last fight against Felix Sturm, but that's how boxing works nowadays. He doesn't have a marquee win on his resume, so this will be the greatest challenge of his career. 

Where: Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY

When: Saturday, March 17 at 10:00 p.m. EST

Watch: HBO

Live Stream: HBO GO

Fight Card

The Ring and WBC Diamond Middleweight bout: Sergio Martinez (c) vs. Matthew Macklin

Middleweight bout: Donovan George vs. Edwin Rodriguez

Martinez's Keys to Victory

Everyone knows what Martinez is going to try and do when he is in the ring: Knock his opponent out. He is never going to win a technical battle, but will always throw punches as hard and fast as possible. 

He will have to come out from the opening bell ready to swing, making sure that Macklin never feels comfortable or gets in a good rhythm. 

After Martinez wears Macklin out in the opening rounds, he can work on landing the big knockout blow later. 

Macklin's Keys to Victory

Unlike Martinez, Macklin doesn't mind standing and sparring with an opponent. He is going to show you solid technique and good defense, while at the same time, preparing to throw a haymaker that will drop you in an instant. 

Macklin has to let his defense work early. He can't give Martinez anything to work with, or else he is going to get knocked out. 

As long as he controls the pace and tempo of the fight and lands enough stiff shots early, he should be able to overcome the unorthodox style that Martinez uses. 

What They Are Saying

Matthew Macklin comes into this fight as a clear underdog, but he isn't letting that hinder his confidence and preparation. 

From BBC Sports: 

"

It's a difficult fight, no doubt, but he's not unbeatable. I have the tools to beat him. The media can build you up but no-one's a monster, he's a man, and when he gets hit on the nose it'll hurt.

"

Macklin is fighting an uphill battle, though he does have the speed and athleticism to make this a competitive fight. 

Prediction

Macklin is a better fighter than Martinez is used to going up against, but he is still a class below the champion. 

Martinez wins via eighth-round TKO

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