Maccarinelli has 'elusive' Nelson in his sights

Enzo Maccarinelli hopes tomorrow night's fight against Earl Morais can take him a step closer to his ultimate goal - a clash with world champion Johnny Nelson.

Swansea-born Maccarinelli's banging style has become well known in the Welsh valleys since he turned professional in 1999. A full house is expected at Cardiff Ice Rink when he defends his WBU cruiserweight title against the South African Morais.

But Maccarinelli admitted his primary ambition was to match his fists against the experience of Nelson, the 36-year-old Sheffield fighter who last month made a successful 11th defence of the more prestigious WBO world championship by outpointing the previously unbeaten Alexander Petkovic in Germany.

"Johnny's the one I want," said Maccarinelli. "He's very elusive, very clever, with fast hands, a bit of a big Naseem Hamed." His father agreed, saying: "We want Enzo to get through this one against Morais and have one or two more fights. Then we'd hope to get Nelson in about six months."

It is wise judgement to give Maccarinelli more ring time. Nelson has won 43 of his 58 fights, while the young pretender has won 15 of 16. But 11 of those have come by way of stoppage and, significantly, not one has gone more than four rounds.

Ten of Morais's 15 wins were achieved inside the distance, but he is unlikely to prove a threat to Maccarinelli.