Maccarinelli's career in tatters following sickening KO loss

Enzo Maccarinelli's career is once again at the crossroads after the likeable Welshman suffered a savage seventh round knockout loss to the unbeaten Ukrainian Alexander Frenkel in defence of his European cruiserweight title tonight.

Maccarinelli, making his first defence on Frank Warren's Magnificent Seven bill in Birmingham this evening, was given oxygen as he lay stricken on the canvas after he was floored for a second time by a sickening left hook. Arguably, Finnish referee Meronen should have intervened after Enzo suffered a heavy knockdown from the same punch moments earlier.

Maccarinelli rose on shaky legs and appeared "gone" however the Finnish official decided to give the Welshman every chance. Thankfully, Enzo was able to leave the ring of his own accord but after suffering the fifth heavy stoppage loss of his career one wonders if 'Big Mac' has finally reached the end of the road.

The unbeaten but largely protected Frenkel (14st 0 12oz) began confidently, taking the opener with some sharp right hands. Gradually though Maccarinelli (13st 13 8oz) began to seize control and a left hook forced Frenkel to touch down in round five though the referee correctly ruled it to be a slip. Both fighters traded right hands in the sixth but it was Enzo who came off worse with a cut to his right eye following an accidental clash of heads.

Frenkel's earlier exuberance appeared to be deserting him as Enzo began to take charge on the inside. The Welshman's work lacked accuracy and finesse but he was shading the sessions as Frenkel went into his shell.

Just when Maccarinelli appeared to be gaining command, the Welshman missed with a right hand and was countered by Frenkel's left hook which deposited him to the canvas with a thud which brought about the beginning of the end.