Brian Magee has won all 19 of his professional fights

Belfast's Brian Magee will defend his unbeaten IBO super-middleweight crown when he takes on Syd Vanderpool at the Ulster Hall on 4 October.

Magee will be defending his title for the fifth time, but will have to step up a gear against the Canadian southpaw who has only lost two of his 34 fights.

However, the 28-year-old former Irish and Ulster amateur champion middle, faces a big hurdle in his quest to make the big time.

Magee turned in a near faultless display last June to see off South African Andre Thysse to retain his IBO super-middleweight title and keep an unbeaten 19-fight record intact.

Vanderpool is based in New York and managed by Don Majeski and trained by Stan Hoffman.

Promoter Barry Hearn is keen to give Magee his big break.

''I want to put Brian in some big fights, because I believe he's ready for that now,'' said Hearn.

''The fans have to show that they want big-time fighting and we want to see a packed Ulster hall so we can come back again.''

Fighting in Belfast is just perfect for Magee.

''There's nothing quite like fighting at home, and I love fighting in the Ulster Hall,'' said Magee.

''I've shown in my last two fights that I am ready to take on anyone in the world and I want to get the really big fights now.''