Belfast's Eamonn Magee has launched a scathing attack on the choice of referee for his showdown with WBU light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton on Saturday night. Leeds official Mickey Vann has taken charge of Hatton's last six fights and Magee is incensed that he will again be the man in the middle at the MEN Arena. It is an unprecedented situation at any level and means Hatton will have had the same referee for all seven of his WBU title bouts.
Magee blasted: "I think it's a shambles that he's been allowed to referee seven consecutive world title fights for Ricky Hatton alone. I think it's scandalous. I was hoping it was going to be something like a South African, but definitely not an English referee and definitely not Mickey Vann. I think he has jumped in to stop some of Hatton's previous contests a little too quickly when he shouldn't have jumped in. Obviously, I'm a counter-puncher and so I'll be letting Ricky lead off and hope I can counter-attack. So obviously the referee will have to be told about that before the fight, as I don't want him stepping in just because I'm backed up on the ropes. If we thought we could get a change, we would certainly accept it. It's the joke of the year."
Magee's manager Mike Callahan added: "I'll also be having a word with Mickey Vann about premature stoppages and constant clubbing to the back of the neck. And the Irishman's trainer, John Breen, said: "When Eamonn fought on the same bill as Ricky in February, I was talking to the WBU officials afterwards and they were saying it was a disgrace that Mickey Vann was referee and that was the sixth time. But as long as Mickey Vann can count to 10 in the normal way when Eamonn knocks Ricky down, that's all that matters. As long as he doesn't take 10 minutes to get from one to two."
Callahan also revealed that he has already taken steps to have the judges for the fight changed. Officials from America, South Africa and Australia will now score the contest after it is believed Callahan asked for two English judges to be replaced. Callahan confirmed: "I must admit I did have a showdown with the WBU and to their credit, they did make changes."
Filed by Shane Murray
