Magee’s big plans
2 February 2010 – By Steve Wellings
Brian Magee pulled off a remarkable away win on January 30 when the Lisburn man outgunned Denmarks Mads Larsen in seven one-sided rounds to claim the vacant European super-middleweight title.
Despite splitting from career-long trainer Harry Hawkins prior to his big chance, Brian had two familiar faces in the arena on fight night. The managerial team of John Rooney and Pat Magee -the latter donning an Irish Boxing Supporters Club tie- were in Aarhus to witness a famous away victory.
It was a fantastic performance from Brian and not unexpected,” enthused Pat Magee (no relation). There was talk about Brian losing Harry Hawkins after so long as his trainer but John Rooney was in Brian’s corner, as he has been from the start, so there was still a stabilising influence.
Brian assumed control early on and continued his dominance throughout; he battered Larsen for the most part and broke his heart, opined Pat.
Were obviously not going to sit down and discuss the future straight away but we’re free agents and will take a look at all the options available. Maybe the end of April could be a possibility.
Pat Magee admitted that fighting in Belfast would be a boost but added that Brian has proven time and again he is an excellent away fighter and believes there is plenty more to come from the 34-year-old. WBO ruler Robert Stieglitz is in Magees sights, although strong German backing means Brian would almost certainly have to travel, while WBA champion Andre Ward is involved in the Super Six tournament.
The expression on Larsen’s face told it all on Saturday, continued Pat Magee.
The Danes had just signed a big TV deal and it was all to be built off the back of him winning. This is a guy who was beaten controversially by Sven Ottke and the other loss was years ago [1996 on a cut].
Brian just dominated him. Who else goes away from home and posts a performance like that?
Not too many. Whether or not world titles beckon for the former amateur star, he has already had a professional career to be proud of.