Boxing: Collins a fan of new Irish star

Belfast’s Brian Magee will go into the biggest fight of his life tonight with high praise ringing in his ears from the last great super-middleweight to emerge from Ireland.

In only his 14th pro fight, Magee challenges tough-as-teak Argentinian Ramon Britez for the IBO title at the Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool.

It is a big step up in class for the 26-year-old, but Dublin’s former WBO title holder Steve Collins is confident he can take it in his stride.

Collins shot to fame with victories over Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn in the mid-90s and believes Magee can also make his mark on the world stage.

‘‘He’s got more talent than me,’’ Collins said.

‘‘He’s only had 13 fights and he’s already at a high level, so he’s moved up a lot quicker than I did.

‘‘He’s determined, he’s working hard in the gym and I think the more experience he gets the better he’ll get.

‘‘I’d actually like to hold him back a bit if I was involved in his career, but he’s improving fast and if he’s going to continue winning, you can’t hold him back too much.

‘‘This is a step up in class, this is a test for him, but I feel confident he will come through it.’’

Britez, 10 years older than Magee and with 45 bouts under his belt, claimed the ‘world’ crown when stopping Islington’s Adrian Dodson in three rounds in April.

Magee, like Dodson, can also boast a sparkling amateur record, but this still represents something of a gamble, especially after suffering a shock knockdown in his last win over Chris Nembhard in July.

‘‘It’s a step up in class I need to be taking,’’ said the Irishman. ‘‘Hopefully, if I win this, I’ll be taking short steps up each time, all the way to the top.’’

The move onto the world scene coincides with Magee’s switch from Panix Promotions to Barry Hearn’s Matchroom stable.

He has agreed a five-fight deal with his new team and Hearn said: ‘‘I think Brian can beat Britez. I think he can be a super-middleweight champion and I think he’s going to be one to watch.

‘‘He’s got bags of potential, a great amateur record and the fight-scene will be back on it’s feet in Belfast if Magee can win.’’