25th September 2009 will be the biggest date of Matthew Macklin's boxing career so far, as in the other corner from him is Finland's Amin Asikainen. This is his first ever European Title fight, and he will be looking to put in a spectacular shift in front of Sky Sports' cameras.
Macklin The Favourite?
In the UK, Matthew Macklin is a massive favourite. However, the bookies could be missing a trick here, as Asikainen is a quality operator.
While he has two early losses on his record, Asikainen is without a doubt a high quality fighter. He has competed at European level many times, and his losses were to two excellent fighters - Khoren Gevor and Sebastian Sylvester, both of whom he gave massive problems.
Fighting primarily on the backfoot, Asikainen is a counter puncher with good power. On the inside he is suspect, but Macklin has to get there, and if he is lazy Asikainen will punish him on the way in.
Macklin does have a good style for defusing 'Idi' though. He possesses a good workrate, and has excellent power, as demonstrated in his last fight against Wayne Elcock. If he concentrates for as long as the fight lasts, he has all the ablities to win, but any lapses in concentration, and Asikainen will swiftly counter.
The fact this is in England is a boost for Macklin. The furthest Asikainen has been out of his native Finland is Spain, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to the loud, pro-Macklin crowd that the Manchester Velodrome will no doubt provide.
Macklin can win this, but it isn't as cut and dry as many would suggest. Expect Macklin to prevail by TKO after nine rounds.
Manchester Prospects Get A Run Out
Hatton Promotions is doing its best to give local fighters a chance to shine, and on 'Euro Glory', several Mancunians will get their five minutes of fame.
Anthony Crolla and Denton Vassell have jumped ship from Frank Warren, and will be looking to impress. Crolla should stop journeyman Daniel Thorpe, but Vassell may have a slightly sterner test against the sturdy Romanian Vasile Surcica.
Scott Quigg will be looking to prove why 'Boxing News' labelled him a 'hot prospect' against Kakhaber Avetisian, a Georgian with a winning record - just. The Georgian has only been stopped twice, but Quigg should be able to finish the job early.
Mark Thompson will also fight a Georgian. In the opposite corner from him will be Gari Abajian, who with a 10-7 record is most definitely a journeyman. However, he's never been stopped, and should take Thompson a few rounds.
Graeme 'Dezzi' Higginson will definitely bring his fair share of fans to 'Euro Glory'. The popular Mancunian takes on Adam Kelly, and should walk away with a points win.
Joe Murray and Rhys Roberts are also on the card; fighting opponents who as of yet haven't been named.
Best Of The Rest
In the semi main event, Cello Renda will fight the undefeated Sam Horton over ten rounds. This will be a good test for Horton, as Renda, despite his 17-7 record is a decent opponent. If Horton's chin holds up to the hard punches of Renda, he could walk away with a points win, otherwise, a knockout for Renda is on the cards.
Martin Murray, who defeated Renda in the 'Prizefighter: Middleweights' tournament, is fighting George Aduashvili. Expect Murray to get rid of the Georgian quickly.
Macklin Heads A Stacked Card
This is an excellent card, and it will be interesting to see how Macklin deals with the problems Asikainen poses. If Macklin wants to make it at world level though, he needs to pass this test, and pass with flying colours.
How To Watch Macklin vs. Asikainen
This will be live on Sky Sports 2 in the UK on Friday 25th September at 10pm GMT. Tickets can be bought by calling 0161 775 7500.
