Ulsterman Brian Magee believes he is ready to take a significant step towards a shot at WBC super-middleweight champion Marcus Beyer in the King's Hall, Belfast tomorrow night. Magee puts his IBO title on the line against rugged Frenchman Hassine Cherifi, a former WBC middleweight champion, with his camp believing victory will elevate him to the WBC's top 10 and consequently on track for a 2004 clash with German Beyer.
Magee's manager Pat Magee, no relation, said: "We have spoken to the WBC president Jose Suliaman and we have had further contact through an agent who has told us that the WBC are expected to lift Brian into the top 10 if he can do a good job and beat Cherifi.
"Brian has been progressing very well but we don't want him to be just defending his IBO title. It is a stepping stone to the major fights and that's what we are after in 2004."
Champion Magee is bringing boxing back to the legendary arena of the King's Hall for the first time in eight years and is relishing the prospect of facing Cherifi with the backing of his vociferous supporters.
Magee (Brian) said: "Cherifi is a true warrior and he's a fighter who has mixed with the elite for about 10 years and he's a former WBC middleweight champion so I know that he's dangerous. But this is a big chance for me. I think it's going to be a very exciting fight because Cherifi just doesn't back down and from the start I think it will be fast and furious. I believe that I belong with the very best in the world and I intend to show that against Cherifi."
The Frenchman's last fight saw him lose a European middleweight title fight with Howard Eastman, when he was forced to retire on his stool, though he insists that had more to do with a broken nose. Cherifi said: "I had a broken nose going into the fight and I was also carrying other injuries. I am feeling good and I know that I will win. I will do whatever it takes to win."
However, Magee at 28 is seven years his junior and hungry for the big time and he should end the Frenchman's challenge.
Filed by Shane Murray
