Brian Magee has his sights set on the WBC title

Barry Hearn believes Brian Magee has proved he is on course to take on the best in the world.

Following Magee's victory over Frenchman Hacine Cherifi, who retired after eight rounds in Saturday's bout at the King's Hall in Belfast, promoter Hearn mapped an exciting 2004 for the 28-year-old.

"We're bring Brian back to the King's Hall in March and we're looking to match him with Omar Sheika who has proven himself at world level," said Hearn.

The IBO super-middleweight champion now expects to be placed in the WBC's top 10 after defeating 35-year-old Cherifi, who had blood streaming from his forehead and right eye when his corner pulled him out of the one-sided contest.

"The ultimate target is WBC super-middleweight champion Marcus Beyer and a win against Sheika would be another step towards that goal.

"And with the Belfast public getting behind Brian the way they have been, I can see the possibility of bringing the Beyer fight to Belfast".

2004 is looking very exciting for me Brian Magee

Sheika would certainly be a sterner test than Cherifi as the American only lost on points to Eric Lucas for the WBC title last year and was stopped after an exciting duel with WBO super-middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe in 2000.

After four defences of his title this year, Magee said he was looking forward to a break before turning his focus to 2004.

"Hopefully I can have a holiday now and enjoy Christmas and then look forward to an even bigger year next year," said Magee.

"I feel that I am learning all the time and that was a good win for me because he was a tough guy and had been in with some of the world's best.