Glory for Magee, pain for McKay
14 December 2008 – By Cormac Campbell
Brian Magee (32-3-1) put on the performance of his career as he lifted a British title at the third time of asking against the brave, but outgunned Stevie McGuire (14-1-1).
The Irishman had previously come up short vs Carl Froch (LTKO11) and Tony Oakey (D12) but looked a different beast against the Scotsman. More aggressive than ever and supremely conditioned, the former IBO champion hunted down his unbeaten foe and proceeded to fold him in half with crippling body shots.
Magee, who was well ahead on points despite being docked a point for low blows, ended proceedings in the eighth round to join countryman Paul McCloskey as the owner of a Lonsdale belt. Victory in the bout, which took place in Brentwood, should secure Magee a return to the Kings Hall, a venue where he headlined on three occasions in the past.
It was however a disappointing evening for Jason McKay (20-3), who was retired on his stool at the end of the sixth round. It always looked a tall order for the Banbridge man as the much touted Darren Barker (19-0) put on a boxing masterclass in the Commonwealth middleweight title fight. Having been hurt on a number of occasions, McKays cornermen John Breen and Eamonn Magee elected to save their charge from further punishment.
The slick Barker is now expected to step up to European level.
