Macklin hoping for showdown with Lee

Matthew Macklin is hoping his Dublin return on August 30 will set up Ireland’s answer to Froch-Groves II before the end of the year.

The 32-year-old was unveiled yesterday as the latest signing in Eddie Hearn’s burgeoning Matchroom stable, with his debut for them set for the National Stadium next month, against an as yet unnamed opponent.

Hearn was the brains behind the record-breaking show at Wembley between Carl Froch and George Groves on May 31 and Macklin is excited to be working with the young promoter. The former Irish middleweight champion also thinks Hearn is the best man to cultivate the rivalry between himself and Limerick’s Andy Lee, with both men desperate to meet in an all-Irish show. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Macklin said: “We saw what Eddie did at Wembley for Froch-Groves and I think Lee and me would be the Irish version of that. If it happens this side of Christmas it won’t be outdoors but if it is next summer we could do it in a stadium.

“But it’s closer than ever. I think he’s at the stage of his career where he will fight me now. If he gets a shot at light-middle he might pursue that but if he wants to fight at middleweight where else has he got to go but me? “Eddie has spoken about the O2 in Dublin and also a possible date in November. It’s not just talk, it’s something he’s keen on doing.”

On his deal with Matchroom, Macklin added: “I’m very excited to get on board. Eddie’s proven over the last couple of years that he’s a promoter up there with anyone on the world stage.”

Macklin revealed he will have some support from Tipperary when he laces up the gloves in the capital on August 30.

“I’ve always been a massive hurling fan and Tipperary, which is where my mum’s side of the family are from, is my team” he said.

“I played with some of their players when I was younger and I’m good mates with some of them now. They’ve already been on to me saying they’ll make the trip up.”

Also on the bill on August 30 will be Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, who faces Dublin’s Anthony Fitzgerald in a mouthwatering middleweight showdown, while heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua, who won the Olympic gold medal for Great Britain at London 2012, is also set for his first fight in Ireland.

O’Sullivan said: “A lot of people wanted to see us get in the ring for a long time... the timing works for everybody now and it’s happening.”