Calzaghe to Face Magee.
Promoter Frank Warren today announced that undefeated WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe will head to the Kings Hall in Belfast on Friday 18 March to defend his title against Brian Magee. It is important to note that this will subject to final approval from the World Boxing Organisation and Universum’s Peter Kohl who promotes the Interim champion Mario Veit. The show, titled Face Off, will see the hard-hitting southpaw from Newbridge in Wales make a record sixteenth defence of his crown against the tough Belfastman. Calzaghe, the reigning champion for over seven years with a perfect record of 38 fights and 30 knockouts, said, “The Kings Hall is a legendary venue where all the great Irish fighters have fought from Rinty Monaghan, Dave McCauley, Ray Close to Barry McGuigan and I’m honoured to follow in their footsteps,”
“I know the Belfast public, like the Welsh, are passionate about their sport so I’m expecting them to come out and support their man and make it a great night,”
“As for Magee, he’s a good fighter and I know he will come to fight. He’s been calling me out for a while so now he’s got his wish and he’d better make the most of it on the night,”
“I’m the best out there and I will still be the best after I knockout Magee,”
Magee, also a southpaw with top record of 24 fights, 23 wins and 16 KO’s, said, “This will be a massive fight-night in Belfast and the atmosphere will be incredible in the Kings Hall.
“Calzaghe is a great champion and has been number one for a long time with 15 defences of his title but I can assure you that this will be his last defence,”
“I’m supremely confident and ready for this opportunity and am looking forward to winning the title.”
Promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted to return to the Kings Hall with big-time World Championship boxing and what a fight it’s set to be,”
“Joe has ruled the super-middleweight division for over seven years and has big ambitions to unify the belts or move up a division but Brian is standing in his way,”
“Joe is relishing going into Brian’s Belfast backyard and he will fired up to put on a great performance for the fans,”
Chief-support on the show will feature the amazing return of WBU World Welterweight Champion Eamonn Magee.
The Belfastman’s career was considered to be finished when he was the victim of a brutal street assault that left him hospitalised and unable to walk for months.
But testament to Magee’s incredible strength and determination, he has defied the critics and is back in the gym training for his long awaited return.
A full supporting card featuring Belfast best young prospects will be announced shortly.