Testing opponent named for Phil Sutcliffe Jr

Phil Sutcliffe Jr is ready to ditch the ‘novice pro’ label and move up a level starting February 20.

Manager Pat Magee is keen to see his light welterweight progress up the rankings and has brought in a ‘test’ for his charge for the Red Cow hosted fight night.

Southpaw Terry Needham, a fighter with a 7-1 record and a solid amateur background will man the opposite corner as the big punching former Irish amateur looks to extend his record to 7-0.

Magee is also looking for a test for his cruiserweight puncher ‘Big’ Tommy McCarthy, but has yet to confirm a February 20 foe. Undefeated Paul Drago, who holds a win over Ian Tims, was approached about a fight, but his coach is away with Martin Murray in Monaco and wouldn’t allow Drago to fight in Ireland without his guidance.

“Both fighters need tests now,” Magee told Irish-boxing.com. “They are out of the learning stage and ready to progress. This is a good test for Phillip, six rounds with a fighter with a winning record. We wanted Paul Drago for Tommy, he won the weekend, but his coach wouldn’t allow him come to Ireland without him.”

Magee also confirmed Sean Turner, who is currently sparing with Tyson Fury, will make a step up in class and face a test of his own.