By Chris LaBate

Middleweight contender Matthew Macklin is ready for a second opportunity to face WBA champion Felix Sturm. On Saturday in Cologne, Germany, Macklin lost a controversial twelve round split decision to the champion. There were two scores of 116-112 for Sturm, and a score of 115-113 for Macklin.  The fan favorite of England and Ireland, said the German television broadcasters had him winning the fight by four points.

Macklin said the champion has already approached him with an offer for a rematch.

"He said he'd give me a rematch. He knows I've beat him. Do you think he'll give me a rematch if he thought he beat me? Not a prayer. He's given me a rematch because he's embarrassed," Macklin told Sky Sports.