Claude Abrams

KHAN-BARRERA isn’t the only excellent match this weekend. The same night, in Birmingham, is a superb local derby for the British middleweight title. It’s another pick ’em fight as far as I am concerned. Elcock is champion and has fought at a higher level, though was destroyed by IBF champ Arthur Abraham. Macklin is talented, but has failed already at domestic level at 11st, losing in a thriller to Jamie Moore.

The weight will suit Macklin more now from a weight-making point of view. But is he going to be as effective? This is also Macklin’s first fight with a new trainer, Joe Gallagher. I’m not even sure Macklin knows what his best style is.

Elcock seems steadier and more versatile, too. He can punch and box when it suits. His experience could prove decisive. I go for Elcock by decision.

Tris Dixon

IT’S a superb derby match with a former world title challenger against a guy who once appeared to have world-class potential. Macklin will be stronger and fitter than ever after linking up with Joe Gallagher but strangely Elcock, the older man, probably has a lower mileage. It’s a fascinating clash and it could swing one way and then the next but I like Elcock to outbox Macklin before winning on points. But it’s by no means a certainty.

Nick Bond

ANOTHER hard fight to call. Macklin seems to have wars whenever he fights and I don’t see this being any different.

Elcock’s boxed at the higher level but has only two rounds under his belt in over a year. Compare this to Macklin’s 30 and the ring rust should be more than evident in the champion. This, for me, is crucial and Macklin’s activity should see him in good stead, but he’ll have to come through a real war to dethrone the seasoned champion – probably by a late-rounds stoppage.

Danny Flexen

A GREAT match-up for Birmingham and Britain. Elcock is fresh, has sound skills and is an underrated puncher. Macklin is younger, has a good chin and was a top-class amateur. He can crack too.

It's very much a toss-up but I favour the younger, stronger Macklin to pull ahead from halfway and finish Elcock off around the 10th.