I'm fresher and more motivated than ever, says Enzo Maccarinelli

Boxing Betting / Editor / 29 February 2008 / 1 Comments

Betfair talked exclusively to Enzo Maccarinelli ahead of his cruiserweight title fight against David Haye next week at the O2 Arena

Two of Britain's world boxing champions put their titles on the line next weekend when Enzo Maccarinelli and David Haye meet for a world cruiserweight title fight at London's O2 Arena. Betair caught up with Maccarinelli to talk about the contest

Just over a week to go before the big night, how is your training going?

Really good, although we're just at the stage where everything is being altered to allow for the time that the fight will start so I'm beginning my work at midnight every night at the moment. It takes a few days to adjust to that but it means by the time next Sunday comes I'll be properly prepared for the late start. It's a great example of the sort of detail that Enzo Calzaghe my trainer goes into.

Weren't you tempted to head off for warm weather work in somewhere nice like Cyprus or Tenerife as some boxers do?

No. Not for a moment. We have got everything right here in Wales with the hills, the gym and cold weather which is much better for toughening you up. It makes you work harder to keep warm! I don't care where I train, it's about the quality of the work you do and not the heat on your back.

So tell us about Enzo and how he works.

He pushes you to your limits all the time. If you ever think that you have nothing left then he'll find a bit more from you. We do a circuit which starts with 12 150 metre springs and then go to the gym to work in the ring, then on the bags and the pads. It's tough but always varied and when there's a big prize to get ready for it's much easier to do.

How does it work with yourself, Joe Calzaghe and Gavin Rees the WBA light welterweight champion all in the same gym?

It's brilliant because we drive each other on, and that also sets the tone for the whole place with all the other boxers who work here. There's a great ethic all through the place of people wanting to succeed, working hard, but also willing to have a laugh.

It seems to be a real boom time for British boxing at the moment. Why do you think that is?

I just reckons it's a case of success breeding success. When you have people doing well it encourages others to raise their standards and that has been good for the whole sport. Maybe a few years ago it was going out of fashion a bit, but it's right back now and Joe winning the BBC Sports Personality prize was fantastic for the profile. When you look at the viewing figures for Ricky Hatton's fight with Floyd Mayweather it shows you just how big the interest is. Long may it continue as far as I'm concerned because it's a sport that does a lot of good for a lot of kids in tough areas.

So will your fight with David help the profile along too?

I hope so. It isn't often that two top fighters in the same division are willing to face each other. But we are both tough boys and what's the point of saying you are the best in your weight if you aren't willing to fight somebody else who says the same thing? It could be a very explosive fight, I know that. We both box pretty much the same way in that we like to take the other guy out as quickly as possible. I won't be going out to win on points and he won't either so it could be one of those blink and you miss it jobs. That said, I've been working in the gym with some of the lighter boxers to improve my speed and stamina so that I can go the distance if I need to.

There's been a very respectful attitude in the build-up between both of you

Yeah, that's maybe different to some contests, but we're both from Britain and I think there's a bit of a brotherhood among the British fighters. It will be different once the bell goes, though

Sorry to tell you but at the moment on the Betfair markets Haye is the favourite

I know. Some people are saying he is supposed to hit harder than I do, but if they came to watch me work they'd know just how fast I am and how strong I am. I'm also fresher and more motivated for this fight than I think I have been for any other and the intensity of the training has been unbelievable. I'm determined to win the fight and take his WBC and WBA belts away from him.

Thanks for your time Enzo, and we've a free £50 bet for your favourite charity.

I'm an ambassador for the children's cancer charity LATCH - have a look at www.latchwales.org. I'll take a very safe bet by backing Swansea to stay top of League One at [1.17].

Comments (1)

1. Educated Bet | 29 February 2008

   Great interview . I like this guy he is one big ass cruiser weight. He punches like a mule Kickn.
   Peace...Iron Mike