Iron Mike inspired my comeback, says Enzo

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ENZO Maccarinelli has revealed how his idol Mike Tyson has inspired him to become a world champion again.

The former WBO cruiserweight king met Iron Mike during the Cardiff leg of the former five-time world champion's tour of Britain.

And Maccarinelli said Tyson's words of wisdom proved hugely beneficial as he looks to start his climb his back up the cruiserweight rankings.

Defeats by Ola Afolabi and Denis Lebedev have pushed the Swansea fighter down the list, but he's determined to return to the top of the ladder thanks to Tyson's inspiration.

"It was an amazing experience," revealed Maccarinelli. "I didn't really expect to meet Mike but I actually sat next to him and chatted about boxing for most of the night.

"I was blown away by it all because he was my idol — his fights were always the ones I wanted to watch.

"But he talked a lot about my career as well as his own.

"He told me he had watched me beat Wayne Braithwaite (for the WBO belt) and that I looked very dangerous that night.

"And he noticed how I didn't look myself against Afolabi and Lebedev. He said I looked pretty uncomfortable and awkward, which I did.

"After speaking to him, I was bursting to get back into the gym the next day."

Maccarinelli will return to the ring next month when he features on the same card as Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title fight with Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle.

The 29-year-old will appear on the bill at the Metro Radio Arena on December 5 against an opponent yet to be named.


Monday, November 16, 2009
chris barney