Macklin takes British title

Matthew Macklin announced himself on the world stage with a knockout of British middlewight champion Wayne Elcock on Saturday night.

Mad Dog surrenders the belt to Mack The Knife in Birmingham battle

Matthew Macklin announced himself on the world stage with a resounding knockout win against British middlewight champion Wayne Elcock in Birmingham on Saturday night. The 26-year-old pugilist, known as Mack The Knife, looked sharp right from the off in this eagerly anticipated championship bout at the Aston Events Centre. Elcock's attempts to tighten up his defence did little to dampen the onslaught as the challenger took the fight to the champion and a beautiful right hook over the top caught the 35-year-old flush in round three. Mad Dog made it up for the eight count, but was met with a further barrage of left and right bombs giving the referee no option but to stop the contest 59 seconds into the third round. "That was seven years of pent up frustration," Macklin told ITV4 afterwards. "I'm very proud to be British champion but that's not my level. "I'm world class. I'm ready for anyone. This is just a stepping stone for me. "Elcock has been a fantastic ambassador for Birmingham boxing, but I'm going to carry the torch from now on in. I'm destined for world titles." Meanwhile, British heavyweight hope Tyson Fury continued his rise to prominence with the fourth knockout win of his fledgling professional career. The 20-year-old man mountain was given the longest run out of his four-fight career against Lincoln southpaw Lee Swaby. Veteran Swaby, who has the scalp of Enzo Maccarinelli on his record from back in 2000, was pulled out by his corner following a brutal fourth round showing from his 6ft 7ins opponent. An elated Fury said: "I never got hurt or wobbled or anything, but I knew I could take a shot anyway. I've been sparring with world class people and not getting dropped or anything - the chin is solid."