Thursday 10 July 2014 11:40, UK
Matthew Macklin will kick off the new boxing season on Sky Sports next month when he tops the bill in Ireland.
Macklin has teamed up with Matchroom Sport and will hope to get back in the world title mix when he returns to the ring at the National Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, August 30.
The 32-year-old dropped a thrilling split decision against Felix Sturm in 2011 and was stopped by Gennady Golovkin in three rounds last year in his two previous attempts at world glory.
Macklin, who has won 30 fights, 20 by knockout, and lost five times, will tackle an opponent due to be named at a press conference in Dublin in just over a week’s time.
“It’s been four years since I last boxed in the UK and five since I boxed in Ireland so I am really looking forward to boxing this side of the Atlantic again,” said Macklin.
“The National Stadium has always been a great traditional venue for Irish boxing and I think the atmosphere on August 30 will be electric.”
Macklin will feature on a bill with rivals Spike O’Sullivan and Anthony Fitzgerald clashing on an undercard that includes Olympic champion Anthony Joshua.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I have been looking at bringing a big show to Dublin for some time and I am delighted to start a new era there for Matchroom Boxing on August 30 headlined by Matthew Macklin.
“Matthew is a proven world-level fighter on the verge of another world title shot and I am delighted to also be working with our American partner Lou DiBella on making that happen
“Fans in Dublin can expect a corker of a card with Olympic super heavyweight king Joshua fighting in the city for the first time as a pro and an all-Irish grudge match between Spike O’Sullivan and Anthony Fitzgerald.
“We will announce a full card at a press conference in Dublin soon and tickets will go on sale the week commencing July 21.”
