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Boxing
Macaulay McGowan explains how he can beat Abass Baraou
Watch Baraou vs. McGowan on DAZN (ex UK & Ireland)
Macaulay McGowan believes he can defeat Abass Baraou because the circumstances are favouring him.
The two super welterweights fight with Baraou’s European title at stake on Friday (live on DAZN exc. UK and Ireland).
A win for either man might give the victor the chance of higher-profile fights in the coming months.
Speaking to BoxingScene, McGowan sees the importance of the match-up.
“When I first got the fight it was all, ‘Oh my God, this is my big moment. My whole career’s come to this. A European title fight close to my hometown. The stars have aligned.’” he said.
“Training goes on though and it’s just another fight and I’ve got to do the business. I could get sentimental about it but it’s just another opportunity that I’ve got and a fight that I’m confident of winning. I’ve just gotta approach it like a normal fight.
“God doesn’t care who wins or loses. You do the best you can in training, turn up and do the business on the night. That’s what I’m looking to do. In the eighth round, nobody is coming to help. It’s down to me. I’ve gotta apply what I’ve been doing, apply the training, apply my boxing ability and get the job done for once.”
He is confident of his chances as he thinks the circumstances favour him.
“Normally when an opportunity has come it’s been after some time out or it’s short notice or it’s at super middleweight or it’s a southpaw. There’s always something,” he said.
“I’m coming off three wins. I’m in the gym constantly and it’s at the preferred weight I’d choose. It’s not against a southpaw - three of my four losses have come to southpaws - and I’m not giving away size or strength. It’s come at a good time for me to excel.”
While he respects his opponent, he nonetheless sees a path to victory.
He said: “I think he’s a really good fighter but there is a vulnerability to him and maybe I can exploit that. I’m not taking anything away from him, I think he’s really good and getting a 12-round decision against Sam Eggington is no easy feat but I don’t think he’s some world beater.
“He’s good - they’re not giving away European titles - but he’s not anything special.
“People will overlook me and get on the hype for Abass but I think it’s a proper, solid 50-50 fight and one that I’m very confident of winning.”
Live on DAZN: Subriel Matias vs. Liam Paro on June 15. Click here for details.
