Enzo - I'll unleash hell

Maccarinelli: Takes on Afolabi

KHAN v BARRERA
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Saturday, March 14
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Enzo Maccarinelli is desperate to "unleash hell" against Ola Afolabi during their interim WBO cruiserweight title clash on the Coming of Age bill later this month.

The Welsh star endured a disappointing 2008 having suffered a second round TKO defeat by David Haye at the O2 Arena last March but he's now convinced his fortunes will change this year.

Maccarinelli (29-2, 22KO) takes on American Afolabi at the MEN Arena in Manchester on the big Amir Khan-Marco Antonio Barrera card on 14th March and he's eager to show what he can do against a tough opponent.

He said: "I'm desperate to get in the ring and take out all my frustrations on Afolabi.

"2008 was a bit of a disaster after I lost to David Haye and then couldn't win back my old WBO title.

"But 2009 is going to be my time. I hear that Afolabi is a bit of a nightmare and very dangerous, but that's just what I want.

"I want to face the best and beat the best, so as far as I'm concerned bring on the 14th. I am going to unleash hell once I get between those ropes."

Meanwhile Maccarinelli's training programme has seen him balancing half-full kegs of beer above his head in a bid to improve his strength and conditioning.

The 28-year-old has also increased his core muscle power by beating car tyres over and over again with a sledgehammer.

It was a technique he used before his last fight, a two-round demolition of heavyweight Matthew Ellis.

"I've tried lifting weights before but it's not really my kind of thing," he added.

"So when a pal of mine suggested something a bit different I jumped at the chance.

"It's a bit tempting to crack open one of the barrels after a hard day's training, but I'll leave that until after the fight."