Maccarinelli is desperate to be the first Welshman to regain a world title

Nicky Piper says Enzo Maccarinelli's European cruiserweight title defence against Alexander Frenkel in Birmingham on Saturday will end early.

"Enzo's had three knockouts in a row and is bang on form," said the former light-heavyweight world challenger.

"He's got his confidence back and with that he has the chance of beating anyone in the world.

"Frenkel's got an even better knockout percentage. It won't last long - and I think and I hope Enzo will win early."

Swansea's former WBO cruiserweight champion Maccarinelli, 30, will be making the first defence of his European crown, with promoter Frank Warren promising a win would lead to the chance to become the first Welshman to regain a world title.

I've heard a lot of stories about how Frenkel's going to come over here and enjoy sightseeing Enzo Maccarinelli

Frenkel, a 25-year-old Ukrainian who is based in Germany, is the mandatory challenger at the LG Arena and boasts an impressive 22-0 record with 17 knock-outs.

But Maccarinelli has said that Frenkel's threat has been overstated, comparing his record to that of Alexander Kotlobay.

The Welshman stopped Kotlobay in the first round of their fight in St Petersburg in April to claim the vacant European crown.

That was easily Maccarinelli's most impressive performance since losing his WBO crown in a unification bout with current heavyweight king David Haye in March 2008.

Between that second-round defeat and the Kotlobay win, Maccarinelli suffered two devastating stoppage defeats against three victories over journeymen.

"I've heard a lot of stories about how Frenkel's going to come over here and enjoy sightseeing," said Maccarinelli, who is the only world champion produced by Swansea and one of just 10 from Wales.

Maccarinelli has to go out against Frenkel and let his punches go, but if it turns into a hard fight you could see his confidence go Former world cruiserweight champion Glenn McCrory

"If that's what he's got in mind then great. I'm not going to run or hide from him - we'll meet in the centre of the ring and I'll swing him out of there.

"My head's right and that spells danger for all the other cruiserweights out there.

"[If I win] obviously the four world champions are the main aim, but whoever Frank puts in front of me I'll fight, I'm one of the few fighters out there who never ducks anyone."

Former world cruiserweight champion Glenn McCrory had words of warning for the Welshman, though.

"Enzo was just a shell after the loss to Haye," said McCrory. "It's remarkable the way he has come back - that shows what confidence can do.

"He has to go out against Frenkel and let his punches go, but if it turns into a hard fight you could see his confidence go."

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