Magee set for Smith battle

15 April 2010 – By Cormac Campbell

Irish boxing fans can look forward to two major title fights after the British Boxing Board of Control ordered Paul Smith to face Lisburns Brian Magee and Gary Sykes to tackle Belfasts Kevin OHara.

For European super-middleweight champion Magee this will mean an opportunity to win back the British crown he vacated last year due to injury against Liverpudlian champion Smith.

Magees manager Pat Magee has told irish-boxing.com that negotiations with Smiths team will begin shortly and if agreement cannot be found the fight will go to purse bids. Either way Magee expects the bout to take place in Belfast in the autumn most likely September.

Magee added that his charge would more than likely defend his crown on the road in the interim. It is hoped a bout with Smith would serve not only as a British and European title clash but also as a final eliminator for a World title.

Meanwhile the Board has approved an application from promoter Frank Maloney for British super-featherweight champion Gary Sykes to make a voluntary defence against Kevin OHara.

The bout will take place on May 28 in Huddersfield.