Power Is in my hands-Magee not worried about ‘Hardhitter’
By Jonny Stapleton
Rudy Markussen may be promising to live up to his ‘Hardhitter’ ring moniker this Saturday night, but Brian Magee claims if anyone is going to produce a power play in the world title fight , it is the champion.
Magee landed in Copenhagen on Valentines and yesterday had to listen as the home fighter promised to land one of his notorious power punches in the pairs WBA interim super middleweight title fight.
The veteran Belfast fighter remained unfazed, however, Indeed he claims the power lies in his hands and revealed he is stronger at the weight at 36 years of age than at any other time in career.
“I know that he believes he is a big puncher and he has stopped his last four opponents since returning to the ring but he seems to be underestimating the power that I have,” said Magee.
“If I had been fighting those four opponents I would have expected to stop them as well. There’s no doubt that I’m a bigger super-middleweight now than I have ever been and I’m hitting harder than ever before. I’ve had five different sparring partners leading up to this fight and they have all felt my power.”
Despite dismissing Markussen’s knock out predictions, Magee claims he does respect the Dane’s talents. However having come through some tough times the Irish Boxer of the Year, who has a Mikkel Kessler bout in his sights, in determined to keep the good times rolling.
“I’m really enjoying my boxing at the moment, I’ve had some tough times but now things have been going pretty well and there are plenty of big opportunities out there for me if I can do the business against Markussen. Preparation has been great and I feel that I am ready for whatever Markussen has. He’s a strong guy and he has to be respected but I am very confident of retaining my title,” Magee added.
The Irish fighter with the best frequent flier miles could write an extensive travel book he has been on the road so much of late, but the champion has no problem putting his belt on the line over seas.
“Going away from home doesn’t bother me; I’m a very experienced fighter now and I’ve been in with better fighters than Markussen. I’m sure it will be a good fight because he likes to go forward looking for a fight and I’ll be ready for him.
