Boxing: Maccarinelli hoping to leave Robinson

Jan 19 2008 by Gareth Jones, South Wales Echo

ENZO Maccarinelli may be heading for a showdown with cruiserweight rival David Haye in London on March 8, but he has another tough opponent to deal with before then.

Swansea’s WBO champion goes head-to-head with the fearsome Anne Robinson in tonight’s edition of The Weakest Link on BBC1 (5.40pm).

The show was recorded before Christmas and even 6ft 4in Maccarinelli admits he was wary about tacking the pint-sized redhead, not exactly known for her love of the Welsh. But his fears were unfounded.

“I was psyching myself up in the dressing room like I do before a big fight, preparing for a verbal onslaught,” confesses Enzo. “But she was actually very nice.

“I think the producers warned her that I’ve knocked out 21 of 29 opponents, so she treated me with care. Either that or she took a fancy to me!”

Maccarinelli is coy about where he finished in the competition – “You’ll have to watch to find out!” – but is sure of one thing. He’ll be the winner against Haye – and by knockout.