Macklin Will Need More Than the Luck of the Irish Against Sergio Martinez Sat

World Championship Boxing returns to HBO this St. Patrick's Day Saturday when the highly regarded true middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who holds the WBC Diamond belt, defends his title against British contender Mathew Macklin at the world famous Madison Square Garden.

Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs) is 37 years old however he is still very much in his fighting prime and on the top half of many pound for pound lists.

Macklin (28-3, 19 KOs) is not well known in the United States and has not fought on American soil since 2005, a quick 2nd round TKO victory over a journeyman. However, Macklin is a top contender and most recently fought a close split decision loss to WBA champion Felix Sturm back in June, which many thought Macklin deserved to win.

It being St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, Macklin will need more than the luck of the Irish. Martinez is riding quite the impressive streak, knocking out challengers one after the other. Madison Square Garden and the HBO telecast will only motivate the Middleweight champ more. Fans can expect Martinez to deliver fireworks on St. Patrick's Day.

Martinez is one of the most feared and avoided fighters today.

A spectacular performance Saturday night in the most famous arena on prime time World Champion Boxing will elevate Martinez's profile and make it all the more difficult for those campaigning at Junior Middleweight and Middleweight to continue ducking the champ.

Not only is the Argentine Sergio Martinez an exciting fighter, but he is also a great humanitarian. He heads several philanthropic campaigns, most notably, the fight to end bullying against teens and children. When you combine the champ's movie star looks as well, without a doubt he will continue to win over fans and broaden his mainstream appeal.

After St. Patrick's Day, the biggest fight that can be made at 160 pounds, is a match between title-holder and Freddie Roach product, Julio Chavez Jr. and Martinez. A  Chavez/Martinez fight would be the biggest and most lucrative fight of both their careers.

Saturday's undercard features a 10-round Super Middlweight bout between undefeated Worcester, Massachusetts' Edwin Rodriguez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Chicago’s Donovan George (22-1-1 19 KOs).

Rodriguez, 26-years-old, has racked up a string of impressive wins against James McGirt, Aaron Pryor Jr. and Will Rosinsky, while George brings a lot of excitement and a lot of power.

HBO released this press release promoting Saturday's title fight:

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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING:  SERGIO MARTINEZ VS. MATTHEW MACKLIN AND EDWIN RODRIGUEZ VS. DONOVAN GEORGE is seen live SATURDAY, MARCH 17 (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT) from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, exclusively on HBO.  The HBO Sports team of Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward will be ringside for all the action, presented in HDTV and in Spanish on HBO Latino.

            Other HBO playdates:  March 18 (10:00 a.m.) and 19 (11:30 p.m.)

            HBO2 playdates:  March 18 (4:30 p.m.) and 20 (11:00 p.m.)

 

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KING J is the Bleacher Report Boxing Community Leader and Featured Columnist. All information was provided directly to him via email press release from the executive producers of HBO.

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