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Macklin promises fireworks in Golovkin fight

Matthew Macklin is primed for his thir middlewight title shot against Gennady Golovkin © Getty Images

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Matt Macklin has promised fireworks when he takes on WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in what he believes could be one of the fights of the year.

The Birmingham native takes on the US-based Kazakh champion at the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut in a fight that he expects to be anything but cagey, with both men known for their fearsome punching power.

And Macklin is determined to return from the United States as a champion after his third title shot on foreign soil: the Gennady fight follows his contentious defeat by Felix Sturm in Germany and being stopped by Sergio Martinez in the 11th round at Madison Square Garden.

Far from feeling at a disadvantage in fighting away from home, Macklin is relishing the opportunity to prove his worth around the world.

"I'm enjoying performing on this stage after many, many years on those undercards, six-round fights when the cameras weren't on," Macklin told Sky Sports News. "I'm reaping the rewards now.

"The only thing that's missing is that world title. I should have had it against Sturm - didn't. Had another chance against Martinez and came up short, but everything happens for a reason.

"I'm in great shape, enjoying the build-up and come Saturday I'm going to be the new middleweight champion of the world."

With two explosive fighters set to meet on Saturday night, Macklin does not expect the decision to go to the judges - but does believe that the bout has the potential to be the fight of the year.

"It has a very good chance, as all the ingredients are there: two physically strong, big-punching middleweights that want to do damage to the other guy.

"I want to fight. I'm not really a point-scorer, I'm looking to take the other guy out - as he is. I" think you can definitely expect fireworks, and don't be shocked if it's fight of the year."

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