Magee (right) is hurt after a big left from challenger Reid

The Englishman put Magee on the canvas four times at the King's Hall to take the decision on all three judges' cards - 115-112, 114-111 and 113-112.

Magee was docked a point for a low blow in the opening round and was floored for the first time in round four.

He was knocked down again in the fifth and twice in the eight before staging an unsuccessful late rally.

Magee, who entered the contest unbeaten in 22 fights, began confidently, landing the more telling blows.

I've had so many decisions go against me in my career and I've worked really hard for this Robin Reid

In contrast, Reid struggled to get into his rhythm and spent much of the opening rounds complaining to the referee about Magee's inside work and use of the head.

The fight turned when Reid put Magee on the canvas at the end of round four with a right cross and swift left hook.

The Irishman was again floored by a sharp left hand from Reid in the fifth as the tempo increased after the Englishman was cut on the forehead following a clash of heads.

By the eighth, Reid seemed to have Magee's measure, a huge right hand putting the Irishman on the canvas midway through the round.

Magee was felled again late in the round but fought back in the next four rounds as Reid backed off.

The rally did not pay off, Reid insisting he had been the better boxer after gaining an unanimous points win.

"I totally deserved it," he said. "I've had so many decisions go against me in my career and I've worked really hard for this.

I thought I'd done enough to win the fight Brian Magee

"When I got cut in the fifth, I thought 'great... just my luck', but I boxed out of my skin and he couldn't take my power in the end."

Reid accused Magee of fighting "dirty" by using his head.

"I didn't expect that from him and I thought he was letting himself down," said the 33-year-old from Runcorn.

Magee felt he had edged the contest despite Reid's superior power and expressed his desire for a re-match.

"I thought I'd done enough to win," said the Irishman. "He caught me well for a couple of the knockdowns but I got up and got back into the contest."