Barboza planning to make history at Magee’s expense
June 23 Jonny Stapleton
Jamie Barboza claims weight issues will not stop him defeating Brian Magee and ending Costa Rica’s long wait for a world title.
The South American fights Magee for the WBA Super Middleweight Interim belt this coming Saturday- and the fact he has campaigned most of his career at light-middle and middleweight has most predicting a routine win for the Belfast fighter.
However, Barboza stresses he is more comfortable at the heavier weight claiming his performance levels rise when his weight does.
El Indio is adamant nothing will stop him plundering the interim title from the grasp of Magee and becoming his countries first ever male world champion this weekend.
“I don’t think anyone can say that Magee is stronger than me. I’ve fought in other weight categories in the past but it’s always meant a very rigid diet and sacrifice, I feel very comfortable at this weight,” Barboza told www.irish-boxing.com before claiming his opponent in San Jose this coming weekend is nothing special.
“Magee has a lot of good qualities in a boxer, but he is nothing special. I watched his fight against Bute. I’ve studied that fight and others he’s had and I am confident I can beat him. I am training hard, I don’t take anything for granted. I want to win, and I am confident my training and my preparation will enable me to win. However, I think being too self-confident can sometimes work against you.”
Saturday’s WBA Interim clash is former European champ Magee’s second world title tilt this year and Ireland’s fifth 2011 attempt at world honours.
The Belfast man has an opportunity to join a distinguished band of Irish boxing brothers, Barboza,33, however has the chance to make history and become a Costa Rican world title trail blazer.
The beautiful Hannah Gaberiels is the pride of the South American country after claiming the Costa Rica’s first boxing world title in 2009 and Barboza is determined to emulate the WBO strap holder this weekend.
“Just thinking about this fight and becoming world champion gets me excited and happy. It would be a massive honour, not just on a personal level but because in my country I would make history by becoming world champion. I am ready for this fight and counting the days until I get in the ring. I am going up on that ring one objective in mind, to win. I hope Brian Magee is still favourite of Irish fans after the fight.”
Much has been made of the fact former British Champion, Magee, who was recently defeated in an IBF title clash with Lucian Bute, has had to travel to the South American country to challenge.
The 35 year old world ranked veteran has been in Panama for two weeks with coach Beranrdo Checa acclimatising and readying himself for the sweltering Costa Rican conditions.
The home fighter, however claims the venue the ring is erected in is irrelevant and he thinks the result will be determined by skill and not geography.
“I’ve been an opponent out of my country, and that has not been a problem for me, I imagine it will be the same for Magee. We are professionals. We train for these situations. In the ring it’s only the two of us. We are athletes, at this point preparation and who is a better boxer will make the difference.”
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