So Enzo Maccarinelli's fight will be for the WBO title regardless of the opponent?

[Anthony Farnell]

Hide could get Maccarinelli shot



Enzo Maccarinelli could face former heavyweight champion Herbie Hide in a WBO cruiserweight title clash at London's ExCel Arena on Saturday.
The 37-year-old is ready to step in at just four days notice to fight the Welshman after Johnathon Banks withdrew at the 11th hour with an ankle injury.
"Herbie Hide is one of the potential fighters on our shortlist," confirmed a spokesman for Maccarinelli's promoters.
Hide only fought two weeks ago when he beat Lukasz Rusiewicz in Germany.
Maccarinelli is desperate to regain the WBO cruiserweight crown he lost in a stunning second round knock-out by David Haye last March.
The Londoner vacated the belt to move up to the heavyweight division and it was announced early last month that Maccarinelli would fight again for the WBO title.



American Banks pulled out after injuring himself during a training session but controversial Hide is one of a number of names on Maccarinelli's promoters Sports Network's shortlist.
Banks was number one contender in the WBO list while Maccarinelli is third in the WBO rankings and veteran Hide fourth.
And despite the new opponent only taken the fight at the last-minute, a Sports Network spokesman said: "It'll still be for the WBO title."
Maccarinelli wants to make amends for his humbling by Haye at the O2 Arena and admits: "I have been training twice as hard since the David Haye fight.
"I don't think I've ever hit this hard and I've had to hold back a bit there's so much in my punches."
The Swansea showman has been on a strength and conditioning programme ahead of the fight which has seen his body mass index drop dramatically - and his muscle density increase two-fold.
"It [losing to Haye] made me realise how much I love this sport, and the Monday after the fight I was back in the gym," he said.



"I've been doing all my usual runs and fitness programmes with the boys from the gym, but have looked to improve my strength as well.
"I've been chopping logs and dragging tyres around to make me stronger, and I've already seen the effects in sparring."
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Hide, who lost his titles to Riddick Bowe in 1995 and Vitali Klitschko in 1998, could become the first man ever to step down and win a world title in both divisions.
Hide is unbeaten in his 11 fights since his comeback following two years out, including his five victories this year.


[Only registered and activated users can see links]
:lol:

[jc]

That says to me that he will definately fight a ranked contender...hope say anyway.

[Anthony Farnell]

That says to me that he will definately fight a ranked contender...hope say anyway.

Hopefully but it is too late now surely bar a Herbie Hide fight?

[nufc16]

think herbie is the only credible guy he could get at such short notice. or maybe try and get that cuban that got blasted by braithwaite?

[Claypole]

think herbie is the only credible guy he could get at such short notice. or maybe try and get that cuban that got blasted by braithwaite?Who says it needs to be a credible opponent? This is Enzo Macc we are talking about here, and all Frank ****** needs is somebody who the BBBofC won't say no to..

A lot of noise has been made about bringing Herbie in, but I really can't see it happening. We'll get some fat former middleweight journeyman who will barely last a round.

[JonOli]

You gotta love that WBO.

[biglads]

If you look at the list of WBO Champions on their website, they list their 200lb title as Vacant, but from Britain.

:patsch

[Claypole]

If you look at the list of WBO Champions on their website, they list their 200lb title as Vacant, but from Britain.

:patschI think that implies that FW gets to choose.....

[biglads]

I think that implies that FW gets to choose.....

Either that or they're making implications about Enzo's mental acuity.

[nufc16]

when did hobson last fight? the rematch was over before it really got started, but the first fight was great and could be a decent fight while it lasted.

[David UK]

No way does ****** allow Enzo in with Hide

[DamonD]

Shame if not, because there's really no-one else about that would make this vacant title fight look credible.

Doesn't matter if the WBO is perfectly happy to let him fight any old tomato can to become their champ, if Enzo does that then he can't expect to be lavished with praise. He'll be seen as a total paper champ.

[dwilson]

Any word on a ****** announcement yet?

[El Cepillo]

Is Bobby Gunn available?

[robpalmer135]

i can see hide happening. think about it, most of us our 50/50 about getting the ppv, if hide is fighting enzo how many of you will fork out. also the tickets our not selling well at all. hide vs enzo will give both a boost.

[robpalmer135]

Hide would be silly to take the fight tbh and can see his promoters stopping it. he is 1 fight away from being WBC mandotory. if he won that he could command a decent fee for the fight.

[kurt2006]

think herbie is the only credible guy he could get at such short notice. or maybe try and get that cuban that got blasted by braithwaite?

Hernandez is too clever for Macca and can bang a bit.

[jamel]

think herbie is the only credible guy he could get at such short notice. or maybe try and get that cuban that got blasted by braithwaite?I think Hernandez could be a problem for Macca. He dropped Braithwaite in RD1 1 and twice in the 2nd RD he just got complaicent, can't see it happening again. Gregory Drozd has a fight scheduled soon maybe he would step in. I would prefer if Hide prepared for Macca, as at his age this will likely be his last shot at the title and he needs to make sure he is 100%.

[doug.ie]

Hide would be silly to take the fight tbh and can see his promoters stopping it. he is 1 fight away from being WBC mandotory. if he won that he could command a decent fee for the fight.

yep :good

[John18]

This announcement tells me that ****** will be able to put Enzo in with anyone.

Excluding an outside chance of Herbie, it's bound to be a no hoper. Bobby Gunn's last victim.

[antcull]

Nothing would be more fantastic then Herbie knocking out Enzo!!! Bring him in! :deal

[Kid Lucky]

This announcement tells me that ****** will be able to put Enzo in with anyone.

Excluding an outside chance of Herbie, it's bound to be a no hoper. Bobby Gunn's last victim.

Can't see Hide getting a shot.

Assuming that no-one top notch will want to take a fight at this late notice and ****** won't see the need to take a risk how about Rob Norton - boxed okay last time out?

[mike464]

There is no way FW will let Enzo in with Hide.

[Infern0]

Mac V hide is a good fight for british boxing, either way the title stays in british hands so i say bring on hide v mac

[FLINT ISLAND]

I dont want Enzo to have a eaiser opponet.

We need to see him in with big names in big fights.

TBA..........is not good enough.

We need Enzo fighting

Herbie Hide
Alexeev
Cunnigham
Mormeck
BJ Flores

etc
etc

[9Ball]

I dont want Enzo to have a eaiser opponet. Well you should Flint.

We need to see him in with big names in big fights. "WE"??!!

TBA..........is not good enough. Only if Enzo has a good night.

We need Enzo fighting (Primary School kiddies???)

Herbie Hide - Hope this happens but no way will FW allow it - too good.
Alexeev - Has only fought outide of Germany 3 times - doubtful and not top ranked really,
Cunnigham - is fighting Adamek on Dec 11th - both way too good anyway
Mormeck - You dont really want him Flint, Haye softened him up and he hasn't been out to play since.
BJ Flores - Too good, FW won't allow this one either.

etc
etc

It will end up being a nobody in terms of being ranked. Lucky for Enzo - it probably means he will have two fights after Haye brutally smashed his face in before he realises he just ain't good enough and retires. :yep

[Cobbler]

I think Hernandez could be a problem for Macca. He dropped Braithwaite in RD1 1 and twice in the 2nd RD he just got complaicent, can't see it happening again.

I think Braithwaite was only down once (in the first). Hernandez was a bit overrated and Braothwaite was too big a step up for him, they ain't gonna put him in with someone that comfortably beat Braithwaite after he's had three easy 8 rounders against not-all-that opposition since.

[Beeston Brawler]

Getting past the WBO is one thing, but the BBBoC are a more difficult animal.

[Edit - Gunn was sanctioned]

[biglads]

*The search continues for fringe Light Heavy contenders that have recently fought a 6 rounder at 185lbs*

[Dunky McCafferty]

Still no word on what punchbag Enzo will be facing yet?

I used to like big Enzo, but the outlandish statements he has been making since Haye whupped that welsh ass of his has had my big scottish head shaking from side to side in disbelief.
"Im punching so aaard I have to hold the power baaack" & other stupid quotes, it looks like Enzo still believes his own hype that was lavished upon him before the Haye fight.
& a man who doesnt learn from his mistakes gets no sympathy from me. Enzo needs another whooping to get his head out of the clouds once & for all.
Like most here, I would have loved to see Hide dishing out some punishment, but hey-ho still no word... Dont anyone have contacts in here anymore?
Maybe Im just spoiled with Jeff Thomas giving the forum inside info, & Im GREEDY FOR MORE....
We need some insider info. & the place is crawling with welshies, cymrus or whatever they are called... Dont any of them know something? & I mean boxing in particular. Its a long shot, but I thought I would ask anyway.
Are there any welsh brain cells out there anywhere... & if there are, report to Dunky immediately!

[rossd1506]

This isnt enzos fault. I just hope they get him a credible opponent which will be hard at such short notice.

[Dunky McCafferty]

This isnt enzos fault. I just hope they get him a credible opponent which will be hard at such short notice.

Frank must absolutely love people like you, if Im being frank.

[biglads]

*The search continues for fringe Light Heavy contenders that have recently fought a 6 rounder at 185lbs*

Well done Fwank, mission accomplished :good

[Anthony Farnell]

Well done Fwank, mission accomplished :good

:lol: Frank can get way with almost anything.

[Vantage_West]

i heard garry delaney and naz have considered a comeback for the vacant tile

[icemax]

i heard garry delaney and naz have considered a comeback for the vacant tile

Naz by brutal KO1

[robpalmer135]

if Enzo calls himself the world champion or celebrates he is a disgrace.

[jc]

if Enzo calls himself the world champion or celebrates he is a disgrace.

:lol: Well ya know thats gonna happen.

I feel sorry for Enzo, not his fault Banks backed out with injury. Hopefully he wins quickly on Saturday and gets a decent fight ASAP!