Sutcliffe could still be on the verge of European title shot

There was a sense of what could have been post Phillip Sutcliffe Jr’s defeat to European #2 Anthony ‘Can You Dig It’ Yigit in Germany on Saturday.

It was meant to be Irish-boxing’s secret break through bout. Defeat the former Olympian and a European title shot wouldn’t be too far away.

However, the Dublin light welterweight lost a majority draw decision 96-96, 97-95, 97-95 and the Irish fraternity were left feeling pretty low on Saturday night.

Sutcliffe himself claimed he under performed post bout and no one could make the regularly heard ‘German robbery’ complaint.

Manager Pat Magee, however was in more positive frame of mind speaking to Irish-boxing.com this week.

The Belfast manager was keen to point out a European title shot remains an strong possibility and claims Sutcliffe’s ranking will improve, thus making him eligible to challenge for the blue strap.

Magee also noted Sutcliffe had ran the European #2 close in just his tenth fight and in a notoriously country to be an away fighter in.

“All I can say is the fight was close. It was a considerable step up in class for Philip and one he had to make away from home at short notice,” Magee told Irish-boxing.com.

“He came close and in terms of standing I know his European ranking will increase. When the June EBU ranking come out we expect him to be up there. He showed with that performance he is in championship contention. One judge had it a draw and that is something in Germany,” he added.

“We are disappointed not to win, but not negative at all. He acquitted himself well and we can take the positives for it. Lenny Daws and Ruben Nieto fight for the EBU title (a rematch of a vacant title fight Nieto won) the winner will be allowed a rematch and we will target the winner for Philip.”