 Maccarinelli is one of the biggest punchers in world boxing |
Enzo Maccarinelli says Saturday's WBO cruiserweight defence against Wayne Braithwaite is his chance to emerge from Joe Calzaghe's shadow. Three of Maccarinelli's last four fights have been on the same bill as Calzaghe, his stable-mate and the WBO super middleweight champion.
"I always knew there would be a time when I'd take over and be the main event," said the 26-year-old.
"I haven't headlined for ages. It's a chance to showcase what I've got."
The Swansea fighter, who has 26 wins and 20 knockouts from 27 fights, said his clash with the 31-year-old Braithwaite, a former WBC champion, would be a "mini-war".
"He's a game fighter, he's strong, he throws punches from weird angles and he's fast for a cruiserweight," said Maccarinelli.
 | I want all the belts at cruiserweight and until that time I won't even think about moving up to heavyweight |
"But he's also reckless and he will take a chance to knock me out. He's a finisher, but when people are throwing punches they obviously leave themselves open and I will capitalise on that."
Guyana's Braithwaite, 31, has 20 wins and 18 knockouts from 22 fights and claimed the WBC belt with a stoppage of Vincenzo Cantatore in 2002.
He made three defences before losing to France's Jean Marc Mormeck in 2005 and again to Guillermo Jones later the same year.
He got back to winning ways with a seventh-round stoppage of Gustavo Enriquez in February and remains a formidable puncher.
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But Maccarinelli is confident he can cope with Braithwaite's power and believes he has "improved 100%" under trainer Enzo Calzaghe, with whom he joined forces last year.
"We've been together just under a year now and I've had three fights, three knockouts, and all three with the right hand," said Maccarinelli.
"There weren't many knockouts early in my career with the right hand. I was always known as a left-hooker, but he's taught me now to throw a punch where I see an opening rather than always trying to get on that left side.
"I've also got more confidence now than I ever did and I'm the fittest I've ever been."
Meanwhile, Maccarinelli said he is still keen on a clash with David Haye, although he admits any meeting would be more likely to take place at heavyweight.
Londoner Haye, a former European champion, challenges Mormeck for his WBC belt in Paris in September, after which he will move up a division.
"I signed to fight Haye in January and that would have been the biggest fight in Britain bar none," said Maccarinelli.
"I want all the belts at cruiserweight and until that time I won't even think about moving up to heavyweight.
"But I would like to do it in the future. I'd have to put on at least a stone but I hit just as hard as any heavyweight and I have the speed to go with it."
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