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Matthew Macklin looks ahead to Miguel Cotto after Dublin test

Image: Matthew Macklin: Keen to face Cotto in Dublin

Matthew Macklin is relishing the prospect of a world title showdown with Miguel Cotto if he can overcome Jorge Sebastian Heiland in Dublin next month.

The two-time world title challenger hopes to put on a show for his home fans as he takes on the powerful Argentine at the 3Arena on November 15 in an eliminator for the right to face WBC middleweight champion Cotto.

Macklin, who has 31 wins from 36 fights, fully expects a tough encounter with WBC International title holder Heiland,

However, the 32-year-old cannot help looking ahead to a probable big-money date with Cotto in New York, although he would prefer to fight the Puerto Rican star in an outdoor showpiece in Dublin next year.

“Cotto is such a big draw in New York City at Madison Square Garden, but if you can do 60,000 people at Croke Park then the economics of the fight change,” said Macklin. “If the fight captures the imagination and sells out a stadium, you can bring anyone, anywhere. That's the dream.

“Challenging Cotto in New York would be an incredible experience – to face someone of his stature there. But that's a lot of wins to put together first.”

Challenging Cotto in New York would be an incredible experience – to face someone of his stature there
Matthew Macklin

Macklin would also welcome a bout against Andy Lee if his fellow Irishman beats the unbeaten Russian Matt Korobov in their clash for the vacant WBO title in Las Vegas in December. 

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“I think Andy has got a good chance,” added Macklin. “Styles make fights and Korobov is a technical counter-punching southpaw, he'll give Andy room and time and Andy performs better if he's allowed that, he's a class act.

"If he can win that then me and Andy fighting for the world title is massive. It's a huge fight anyway but a world title is that key element.

"I'll be rooting for him for selfish reasons but also because he's flying the flag for Irish boxing too and he's a good lad, so I hope he does the business for himself and also as it sets up a potential fight for us.”

Macklin's fight against Heiland tops the bill in Dublin next month and will be screened live on Sky Sports, with the card also featuring amateur star John Joe Nevin in his first hometown bout.

Michael Sweeney takes on arch-rival Ian Tims in what promises to be an all-action cruiserweight encounter, while Patrick Hyland faces John Simpson for the right to meet British, European and Commonwealth champion Josh Warrington.

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