Jason Welborn and Matthew Macklin unite!
Jason Welborn has turned to new management in a bid to get his boxing career back on track - and will be led by a man who beat him in the ring.
Welborn and Matthew Macklin engaged in a memorable war which was screened on Sky Sports live last year, writes Craig Birch.
Their clash for the WBC International super welterweight title saw Welborn come into the ring as the firm underdog.
The Rowley Regis scrapper did lose, as expected, but earned plaudits for a brave and gutsy display that took Brummie Macklin to the cards.
The three-time world title challenger and former British and European champion had his hand raised on points, with no more than three rounds in it with all three judges after 10 rounds.
Macklin went on to defeat Brian Rose by majority decision for the IBF Inter-Continental crown before hanging up his gloves, at the age of 34.
Welborn couldn't build on his momentum, suffering a shock defeat to William Warburton going down to welter before losing the Midlands super welter belt to Craig Cunningham, both on points.
There were fears the 30-year-old could also hang up his gloves but, instead, he's having another crack at glory under Macklin's guidance.
He is now under the banner of Macklin's management and promotional company MGM Birmingham and is set to box on their shows in December.
National honours have always eluded two-weight area boss Welborn, who won Midlands honours outright at welter.
But he was offered the chance to fight Rose recently, declining as his partner was due to give birth to their baby.
His second daughter Demi-Rose arrived this week, so Welborn will soon be back to business having gone back to his former coach Shaun Cooper.
Welborn said: "I'm grateful for this opportunity to be signed by MGM. I feel, at this stage of my career, it will help me to progress further towards my goals, with the support that's around me."
Macklin has following Welborn's fortunes since the two engaged in a bout that was nominated for the British Boxing Board of Control's Midlands Best Fight award.
He said: "Having shared a ring with him, I know first hand he has a massive heart and a strong will to win.
"With those characteristics, combined with his experience, I believe he can still mix it with the toughest in the Midlands and, hopefully, the best in Britain, too."
Macklin's MGM are also bringing Bloxwich's James Beech Jnr into the pro game, after the teenager made the decision to turn over.
The Pleck Boxing Club graduate leaves the unpaid code after 80 bouts. The 19-year-old, whose dad Jimmy was a 31-bout pro, will debut at super bantam in 2017.
He said: "I believe that MGM are the best at providing the opportunities that I need to prove myself and take me all of the way.
"It's good to be in the same stable as some of the best professionals in the business."
