Magee weighs in
11 September 2010 – Jonny Stapleton
Belfasts Brian Magees focus is on retaining his European super middleweight title in the National Stadium tonight rather than gaining a World title shot.
The Mirror believes that if Magee is successful against Armenian Roman Aramian in what is his first continental defence, that details of coveted world title challenge will be announced as soon as tomorrow.
The veteran punchers manager, Pat Magee had previously revealed that Irelands highest ranked boxer was on course to be announced mandatory for the WBA strap, and outlined a career path that would see the 35-year-old eventually meet the winner of the Super Six tournament.
It seems step one of that potentially lucrative journey could take place early next year, but for now the unassuming Brian Magee is focused on the job at hand and winning tonight.
I have put all talk of World titles in the back of my mind, Magee told the Mirror.
I have to get this fight over first. I still have to beat a tough opponent. Aramian is a ranked fighter and poses a threat. My main focus is on this fight and I am not getting distracted by World title talk. The EBU belt is my priority and I want to retain it. There are no easy fights when a title is involved so I am expecting a tough challenge and a hard nights work. I have to keep my eye on the ball and right now all I am thinking about is keeping my European title. I dont want to loose this belt.
With so much potentially on the line Magee will be hoping that the fight goes smoother than yesterdays weigh in.
The former British and reigning EBU champ was forced to strip naked just to make 12 stone whilst his opponent, Aramian needed an extra hour to come in on the fight limit.
The former Holy Trinity star wasnt burdened by any issues on the scales, however, and is more concerned with a wait of a different kind. Magee cant wait to perform in the South Circular Road venue he excelled in as an amateur.
I knew I would make weight and the fact he came in over weight initially doesnt change anything. I am just really looking forward to getting in the ring and fighting in Dublin again. I cant wait for this fight and I am cant wait to fight in the Stadium again, he added.
Meanwhile a second European title fight will ensure history is made on the double in the National Stadium tomorrow night. The home of Irish boxing hosts European Boxing for the first time and as well as the super middleweight belt the super-bantamweight EBU title will be on the line.
Kiko Martinez and Arsen Martirosyan will battle it out for a strap that Bernard Dunne once owned and one that could have another Irish owner very soon.
Limericks Willie Casey is rumoured to next in line for the line and could challenge the winner as soon as November. But in keeping with the focused on this fight theme Kiko refused to speculate.
Regaining a European belt is never easy, but I do not see any problems in me winning this fight. I am confident I will defeat Arsen Martirosyan and be champion again, he said.
Which of the Irish fighters I will then fight does not worry me. I am never concerned with whom I fight until get in the ring.
