'If Martinez can't get Mayweather, he'll fight me next,' says Matthew Macklin

Birmingham's former British and European middleweight champion Matthew Macklin feels that he is very close to securing another world title shot, this time against Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez.

Macklin lost a controversial split decision in Germany against Felix Sturm in June, when challenging for the 'Super' version of the WBA's fractured title. Martinez, who holds the WBC's similarly ludicrous 'Diamond' strap, stopped Darren Barker in the eleventh round in October.

"I’m pretty confident the fight will get made," Macklin told BoxRec News.

"It’s not made but I’ve spoke with Lou (di Bella, Martinez's promoter with whom Macklin has now also signed) a few times about it.

"Outside of Mayweather fighting him, Pacquiao’s not going to fight Martinez. After the Sturm fight which I thought I won and everyone in America thought I won, I’m the leading contender so, aside from Mayweather fighting him I think it’s definitely going to be Martinez next."