BOXING: Nelson bid in sight for Welsh star.

ENZO Maccarinelli, the WBU cruiserweight belt around his waist after a crushing fourthround knockout of former British champion Bruce Scott, could be in line for a unification fight with WBO ruler Johnny Nelson later in the year - and it would be in Wales, writes Gareth Jones. Nelson, who can almost match Joe Calzaghe with 11 successful defences of his crown, must first face a mandatory challenge from unbeaten Alexander Petkovic in Germany.

But, if he comes through unscathed, promoter Frank Warren plans to stage the domestic showdown in Cardiff.

And the Sports Network boss feels Maccarinelli can win it.

``I think Enzo has one of the best left jabs in British boxing,'' he said, after the 22yearold Swansea giant had recovered from a firstround knockdown to flatten Scott with a perfect left hook.

``With his power as well, I could see him beating Nelson if they were to meet now.

``But first we'll give him a defence or two to add to his experience and then we'll see if Johnny has survived his trip to Germany.''

Maccarinelli would relish the chance to win a more widelyrecognised world honour, acknowledging that the WBU merits little respect on the international scene.

But he still considers this his greatest triumph so far.

``The knockdown came because I was a bit nervous at the start,'' he said. ``But it served to wake me up a bit and once I got my jab going I was OK.''

``Here I am, just 22, with only 15 fights and I'm already WBU champion.''

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# CHAMPION Enzo Maccarinelli. PICTURE: PA