Matthew Macklin admits his career is on the line against Jorge Sebastian Heiland

Matthew Macklin: Fights in Ireland for the first time since 2009

Matthew Macklin admits his career is on the line when he faces Jorge Sebastian Heiland in Dublin on Saturday night.

Macklin meets the Argentine middleweight in a WBC world title eliminator at the 3Arena, and the 32-year-old says the stakes could not be higher ahead of his first fight in Ireland since December 2009.

“It's the fight I need at this stage and if I cannot beat him, then that's it really,” said Macklin.

“I know I will beat him and it will set me up for a big 2015 where a world title shot will definitely come about.

“He knows that beating me is a massive scalp and it throws him into the limelight and he'll probably get a world title shot.

“At this stage of my career having won the European title, Irish Title, British title, boxed in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden and in world title fights, I wouldn't be putting in what I am putting in and making the sacrifices I am making if I didn't think I could become a world champion.

“Golovkin is the best middleweight in the world, but I am confident I could beat any of the other fighters in the division, but I have to get past Heiland who is a serious fighter. He's never been stopped and a couple of losses he has had, he has gone on to avenge them.”

Observer

If Macklin sees off Heiland, he’ll be a keen observer as fellow countryman Andy Lee takes on Matt Korobov for the vacant WBO title in Las Vegas on December 13.

Macklin rates Lee’s chances against the Russian and hopes that a pair of wins for the Irish duo could lead to a huge domestic clash, while he also still has his eyes on St Helens’ Martin Murray.

“Andy has a good chance against Matt,” said Macklin. “Matt is a counterpunching southpaw and quite technical, Andy is a technical boxer too and I think Matt will give Andy time and I think he's a class act when he has time.

I know I will beat him and it will set me up for a big 2015 where a world title shot will definitely come about. Matthew Macklin

“It's not out of the question that Andy can win the fight and him having a world title would be that extra ingredient for a fight between us, which would be a massive fight anyway.

“I'll be rooting for Andy for selfish reasons but also for him too as he's flying the flag for Irish boxing and he's a good lad too.

“There's a bit of needle between Martin and I and it's a fight that has been talked about for a while. We've both boxed Sturm and Martinez. He's proven, well respected and rightly so, as am I.

“I think beating Heiland would put me at number two in the WBC, Martin is number one but he's got Golovkin next. So down the line, it's very likely they would sanction a final eliminator.

“A world title on the line would be great for that fight but a final eliminator is the next best thing, especially as Cotto is such a marquee name. I am up for the Murray fight, he is and Sky Sports would love it, so I think it's a fight that makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.

“My career doesn't revolve around Andy Lee or Martin Murray though. I have to take the biggest and best fight out there for me, as will they.

“To be world champion is my ultimate goal, if it means fighting them to get there then so be it.”

Watch Matthew Macklin v Jorge Sebastian Heiland live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday from 7.30pm