Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 17 September, 2003, 07:09 GMT 08:09 UK
New opponent for Magee
Brian Magee defeated Andre Thysse to retain his IBO super-middle-weight title
Brian Magee will have to switch tactics for Gonzalez title defence

Brian Magee faces a new opponent in next month's IBO super middleweight title defence after the bout against Canadian Syd Vanderpool fell through.

The Belfast boxer will now come up against Argentinian Eduardo Gonzalez at the Ulster Hall on 4 October.

Magee had planned to fight the Canadian southpaw on the way to a possible world title challenge next summer.

However, Vanderpool is believed to be hoping to fight Joe Calzaghe and a fight against Magee could put those plans in jeopardy.

''Basically Barry Hearn has run out of patience with the Vanderpool camp,'' said Magee spokesman John Rooney told the Irish News.

''Barry's been trying to pin his management team down since he announced the fight in Belfast two weeks ago.

''Everything looked set, the money was agreed and all it needed was Vanderpool's signature.

''But you can only do so much and Barry finally got sick of running around trying to do deals.

''In the end Vanderpool's management team didn't want to know Brian, that's what it boils down to.''

Now we will have to switch tactics. Gonzalez is said to be a rough and tumble type fighter
Trainer Harry Hawkins
Magee has hopes of facing Top 10 ranked Robin Reid in Belfast before the end of the year.

But first the 30-year-old pugnacious Gonzalez will prove a tough opponent.

''He's been in some good company including defeating the legendary Robert Duran a few year ago,'' said Magee's trainer Harry Hawkins.

''He's a very experienced fighter, South American super middleweight champion for years and has been involved in plenty of 12 round battles. He's a tough customer.

''He's a totally different fighter from what Brian has been training for. Vanderpool was a southpaw, fast, evasive and a clever boxer.

''Now we will have to switch tactics. Gonzalez is said to be a rough and tumble type fighter, orthodox with a good combinations and a solid right hand.''

This will be the 28-year-old former Irish and Ulster amateur champion's fifth title defence.




SEE ALSO
Magee faces tough defence
04 Sep 03  |  Boxing
Impressive Magee stops Thysse
21 Jun 03  |  Boxing
Magee to tackle Thysse
20 May 03  |  Boxing



E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport