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Nelson handed Maccarinelli showdown

20/12/2005

British cruiserweight kings Johnny Nelson and Enzo Maccarinelli will finally meet next year at Manchester's MEN Arena.

The much-anticipated fight has been in the pipelines for several months but a deal has finally been brokered that sees them meet on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe's super middleweight unification bout with American Jeff Lacy on March 4th.

Nelson, 38, will be making his 14th WBO title defence and has suggested the fight against his 25-year-old big-hitting opponent, who holds the WBU belt, could be his last before retiring.

He said today: "Enzo is one of the most exciting prospects in the division but I am afraid it will all end in tears for him on the night.

"He must realise that in my time I have mixed and dealt with a better, harder and more experienced class of opponent than he has ever faced."

Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren, much maligned following the country's heavyweight situation, has also expressed his pleasure at having arranged the fight.

"I am delighted to add the fight to an already super show," he said.

"Enzo is the bright young star in the division with a massive punch who feels he is ready to challenge Johnny."

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