Matthew Macklin is gunning for glory

Matthew Macklin has promised to be the star of the 'Magnificent Seven' boxing super-show at Birmingham's LG Arena.

The hometown middleweight goes up against Georgian slugger Shalva Jomardashvili for the vacant European title tonight, looking to regain a championship he never lost.

Macklin vacated the belt at the start of the year when a world title shot appeared to be on the cards, stepping aside to let Darren Barker take the crown.

It was originally supposed to be Macklin versus Barker on the bill, before the champion pulled out with a hip injury.

Barker graciously gave up the belt so the show could go on with Jomardashvili in his place, who comes in with just two defeats on a 30-fight record, one of those to Commonwealth champion Martin Murray this year.

But Macklin has vowed to be at his sharpest to get "his" belt back tomorrow and bring European glory back to Birmingham at the LG.

He said: "I haven't been there since I went to a UB40 concert a few years ago! It's a terrific venue and a great platform for me.

"I'm topping the bill at home and I'm going to put on a performance to remember."

Both weighed in at 11st 5lbs yesterday and Macklin hopes the punch up on his doorstep will lead back to that elusive world title challenge, as he is currently ranked in the top 10 by all the sport's major governing bodies.