Magee: I deserve title chance

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor

European champion ready for acid test

A March 19th date has been pencilled in for 35 year-old Brian Magee’s toughest test to date against Canada’s unbeaten IBF super-middleweight champion Lucien Bute at the Bell Centre in Monteal.

Magee (34-3-1) is the current European champion, a title which he is likely to vacate as he steps up in class to face one of the top boxers in the division and the Irishman is confident he can handle the pressure as he takes on the champion on his home patch.

“I am really looking forward to the fight,” Magee told WBN. “I have been to Canada many times as an amateur and I love the place, especially Montreal. The people are great and it’s a great city.”

The challenger held the IBO title from 2001 to 2004 and has travelled abroad before when controversially unsuccessful in a European title challenge in Germany in 2005, but he believes the experience he has gained since then will help him in his quest for recognised world title.

“I’m excited about taking on Bute, I know I am up against the best in the division. I have worked hard for five years to get here and deserve the chance to fight for this title,” added Magee.

The southpaw’s other two defeats came against world class opponents and both were gruelling affairs, with Magee giving as good as he got against both current and former WBC champions Carl Froch and Robin Reid in epic battles, four and six years ago respectively.

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