06.08.04 – Hard-hitting Welshman ENZO MACCARINELLI will take on Denmark’s JESPER KRISTIANSEN when he he adlines the Newport Sports Centre on Friday 3 September. The Swansea puncher makes the fifth defence f his WBU World Cruiserweight title and moves quick following his victory last month over Ismail Abdoul.
Maccarinelli went the twelve round distance for the first time against Abdoul but is now eager to get back to what he does best – knockouts!
“I have shown that I do have good all-round boxing ability and am not just a puncher when I fought Abdoul. It was great to go twelve rounds and show my repertoire of skills but it’s the knockout I love and what the crowd want so I aim to get back to what I do best against Kristiansen,” said the 23-year-old.
Kristiansen, from Varde, comes in with good credentials having challenged Pietro Aurino for the European title last year and is the former WBO Intercontinental Champion. The 32-year-old has also KO’d two previous Maccarinelli opponents in Earl Morais in eight rounds and Garry Delaney in the tenth.
In contrast, Big Mac, who has 13 KO’s in 19 fights, flattened Morais inside a round and Delaney in eight.
“Kristiansen has been in with some good fighters and I see this as a another test for me. I know he will come here and give it his best shot and he’s not afraid to fight overseas as he gave Aurino a good fight in Italy. I only had a week off after my fight with Abdoul and it was straight back to business now I’m relishing the chance to get back into the ring.” Finished Maccarinelli.
Chief support on the card sees a potentially explosive middleweight encounter between Cwmbran’s GARY LOCKETT and Birmingham’s WAYNE ELCOCK in a final eliminator for the WBU World title.
The rest of the card features the best in Welsh talent including 2002 Commonwealth Games Champion JAMIE ARTHUR, lightweight GAVIN REES, Welsh Welterweight Champion BRADLEY PRYCE, rising light-welterweight stars TONY DOHERTY and BARRIE JONES.
Tickets for ‘RETURN OF THE MAC’ priced at £25, £50 & £75 are available from the Newport Sports Centre on 01633 662 666, Sports Network Box Office 01992 505 550 or online at www.frankwarren.tv/tickets