Fistful of hope as Magee bids for world title shot

BRIAN MAGEE has a daunting task on his hands if he is to erase the bitter memory of his cancelled fight with Joe Calzaghe and claim the European super-middleweight title tonight.

The Belfast man meets unbeaten Ukrainian Vitali Tsypko for the vacant crown in Nuremberg, still seething over March's WBO title clash which was cancelled at less than 48 hours' notice.

Now 30-year-old Magee is determined to emphasise the point that he deserves another shot at the top level by becoming the first man to beat his awkward 29-year-old foe.

Magee said: "I had a big blow when the Calzaghe fight was cancelled but my team worked hard to keep me in the limelight and now I can get back on track.

"I have always known where I want to get to, and through all the ups and downs I will not stop until I get there.

"However tough it was, it was never in my mind just to quit. I've got a goal to become world champion and I don't mind who I have to fight to get there."

Magee, who last fought in November with a routine win over Neil Linford, knows now is the time to take risks and opponents do not come much tougher than rangy southpaw Tsypko.

Not only does the Ukrainian possess a difficult, gangly style, but he also brings a reputation as a decent puncher.

Magee will need all of his hand speed to get inside and trouble Tsypko, in a fight from which the winner can realistically look forward to a major world title shot.

Magee's manager Pat Magee added: "This is the most important fight of Brian's life on Saturday night and I know he is well up for it.

"It is effectively an eliminator for a world title and in many ways this is a better direction to go in than had we had the fight against Calzaghe."

Victory for Magee would make him a serious force in the 12-stone division but in front of what is effectively his home crowd Tsypko starts favourite to win clearly on points.