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Former IBF middleweight titleholder Daniel Geale and multiple-time world title challengers Matthew Macklin are nearing a deal for a May 24 fight, which would be aired on HBO, according to Geale on Twitter:
So..... My next fight is in the making against Matthew Macklin in the US on May 24th....keeping focused.
— Daniel Geale (@RealDealGeale) April 7, 2014
Management are finalising negotiations and expect to make an announcement shortly....!!
— Daniel Geale (@RealDealGeale) April 7, 2014
Geale (30-2, 16 KO) lost his IBF belt last August against Darren Barker, and has fought once since then, easily handling Garth Wood on February 19.
Macklin (30-5, 20 KO) is a former British and European champion who has had failed bids for world titles against Felix Sturm (a highly controversial decision), Sergio Martinez (a competitive affair where Macklin was stopped after 11 rounds), and Gennady Golovkin (a three-round bulldozing).
The May 24 HBO bill has also been reported as featuring Bryant Jennings vs Mike Perez in a WBC heavyweight eliminator, as well as James Kirkland vs Willie Nelson. The three fights together would certainly be a nice night of fights on paper.