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Messy win for Macklin

Image: Macklin: laboured to victory

Matthew Macklin regained his European middleweight belt in front of his home fans - but not in great style.

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Local hero gets European belt back

Matthew Macklin won back his European title but looked very much like a fighter who was trying to stay motivated after missing out on facing Darren Barker. Instead of a mouthwatering all-British affair Macklin had to settle for late replacement Shalva Jomardashvili who appeared as awkward to fight as his name is to pronounce. The tough Georgian dragged Macklin down to his level and the first three rounds were an ugly brawl. Despite mixing at a far higher level Macklin couldn't resist getting involved at close quarters and was taking more punches than a fighter of his class should be. His face had puffed up by the fourth but it was at this point that he decided to turn on the style. The Irish boxer who hails out of Birmingham finally began to entertain his home fans by picking his shots and putting his punches together. All too soon this had an effect on his opponent as Macklin's cleaner work made the difference. The turning point came at the start of the fifth when a rare combination from Jomardashvili brought a spiteful response from Macklin. He landed a right hand high to the forehead then connected with trademark hooks to the body. Just as the round was coming to an end Macklin trapped Jomardashvili on the ropes and pounded away. When the bell sounded Jomardashvili cut a disconsolate figure as he trudged back to his corner with his nose bleeding and it was no surprise when his trainer waved off the fight shortly afterwards. Macklin can draw encouragement from stopping his opponent for the first time in his career. But unfortunately this goes down as another missed opportunity for a fighter who is yet to fulfill his full potential. Nine years after his pro debut he still looks some way off competing at world level and he will be hoping 2011 brings the big fight he both craves and needs.