Eamonn Magee will challenge for the European title in May

It has been confirmed that Belfast's Eamonn Magee will challenge Germany's Oktay Urkal for the European light-welterweight title on 3 May.

Magee's promoter Frank Warren said that he had negotiated a deal with the champion's camp, prior to the deadline for purse offers.

A venue in Germany will be announced shortly.

Warren claims that victory for Magee against Urkal, who has only lost once, would lead to big opportunities.

Magee could have a rematch with WBU light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton or a shot at the undisputed world number one at 10 stone, Kostya Tszyu.

"It's a great opportunity for Eamonn and although it's in Germany I'm confident that he can win it," said Warren.

"If Eamonn wins then we have to be looking at matching with the winner of Hatton and Junior Witter or a fight with Kostya Tszyu."

Tszyu is the only fighter to have beaten Urkal, on points.

The Russian-born Australian champion is the main target for 'Terminator' Magee's manager Mike Callahan.

"Eamonn has the class to beat the best in the world,'' said Callahan.

''If he can beat Urkal who is ranked at four by the three main world governing bodies, then there's no reason why he shouldn't get a fight with Tszyu."