Enzo too strong for Ellis

Maccarinelli: back on form

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Enzo Maccarinelli ended a difficult week on a high note with a second-round stoppage of Matthew Ellis.

The Welshman had been due to fight Jonathon Banks for the WBO cruiserweight title but the American had to pull out due to an ankle injury.

Puerto Rican Francisco Alvarez was then lined-up as a last-minute replacement only to fail a medical, prompting Ellis to be brought in for a non-title fight at heavyweight.

Ellis was down inside the first minute after Maccarinelli landed with a left hook to the ribs and visited the canvas again from another body shot later in a one-sided opening round.

The Oldham-born journeyman, who came into the fight with a 20-5-1 record, did well to see it through to the bell after rising to beat the count at eight.

Maccarinelli finished the job with another knockdown after one minute and 28 seconds of the second round, referee Dave Parris immediately calling a halt to proceedings.

Tough

"It has been tough but I'm a professional," Maccarinelli told Sky Box Office.

The Swansea fighter was returning to the ring for the first time since losing his unbeaten record and WBO cruiserweight belt to David Haye last March.

Asked if there were any demons from that knockout defeat, he added: "No not all, you can see by the way I came out, took the centre of the ring against a much bigger guy who I knew nothing about."

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that the plan is for Maccarinelli to fight original opponent Banks in February for the WBO cruiserweight title.