Enzo Maccarinelli expects fireworks

Enzo Maccarinelli today told fight fans to expect "fireworks" at Wolverhampton Civic Hall when he challenges Shane McPhilbin for the British title.

The two will square off with McPhilbin's cruiserweight crown up-for-grabs in the main event on the bill at the Civic tomorrow night, live on BoxNation.

It's personal for Maccarinelli after vowing to become a British champion in memory of his late father, Mario, who passed away on January 21.

But the former WBO world and European champion won't have Enzo Calzaghe in his corner, who hasn't received a valid First Aid licence in time.

Wolverhampton's Dean Powell and the Welshman's brother, Valentino, will take him in tonight and Maccarinelli is ready to put it all on the line.

He said: "I got offered the chance to fight for a British title, no boxer in their right mind could turn that down. I am honoured to be fighting for it.

"Dad was my best friend and he will be looking down on me, he always wanted me to fight for a British title but I have never had the chance before.

"Shane is a tough man, that's why I have taken this so seriously. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in strength.

"I am a natural puncher with speed and I can box but, nine times out of 10, I like to stand and have a tear up and so does Shane.

"But it will take a brave man to stand there and have a tear up with me. I know the accuracy and the power I have - if I land, it could be all over."

Maccarinelli had the best seat in the house when the champion from Bulwell in Nottinghamshire won the title from Leon Williams in January.

The 31-year-old was commentating when McPhilbin put down Williams twice in the last round before the fight was stopped, with just 70 seconds left.

McPhilbin had been down twice himself during a thrilling contest but refused to back down and has warned Maccarinelli to expect another war.

The 26-year-old said: "Enzo will come to fight and he's got more of a point to prove than I have, it's all or nothing and he's in the last chance saloon.

"At some point, it's going to turn into a toe-to-toe war and whoever lands the biggest bomb will win.

"I can see it being an exciting fight, Enzo is good with the jab while I like to load up with my bombs.

"At some point, it's going to turn into a toe-to-toe war and whoever lands the biggest bomb will win.

"As soon at that lands, you are going to see people hurt."

McPhilbin could hardly have picked a more testing voluntary defence in Maccarinelli, who has 27 knockouts from his 34 wins.

Just over three years ago, Maccarinelli lost to David Haye to decide the best cruiserweight in the world for the WBC, WBO and WBA 'super' belts.

But, for McPhilbin, it's also personal - the chance to get in the ring with one of his heroes.

He said: "It's a voluntary defence and he's one of my favourite boxers of all time - how times do you get to fight someone like that?

"If I can prove my skills, I could move on from British title level, he's a world-class fighter and it's my time to prove I have got the tools to make it.

"If I can beat him, it proves I can mix it with the best and people in Europe will know my name then."

The bookies have written the champion off, with William Hill offering 12-1 on a McPhilbin KO win or 25-1 for him to retain his title over the distance.

But he said: "It doesn't anger me, it's actually quite good, all of my lot have been down to the bookies and seen what the odds are.

"They have all gone down and chucked a lot of money on it, so it's made my people very happy!"

The first bout is set to take place at 6:45pm tomorrow night and the BoxNation cameras will roll until, at least, 11pm.

For more information about the Civic bill, call the box office on 0870 320 7000 or promoter Paul 'PJ' Rowson on 07976 283 157.

A limited number of tickets will also be available on the doors tomorrow night, which open at 6pm.