Brian Magee says world belt talk won't hinder Euro bout
Belfast boxer Brian Magee is preparing to face Roman Aramian in the first defence of his European super-middleweight title
Brian Magee says the prospect of a world title fight will not hinder his performance in his European super-middleweight defence next month.
Magee, 35, will make the first defence of his European belt against Armenian Roman Aramian at Dublin's National Stadium on 11 September.
"Everything hangs in the balance yet again but I'm kind of used to it by now," Magee told BBC Sport.
"There is a brick wall if I don't get past him."
Magee earned the European title last January when he stopped favourite Mads Larsen in Denmark.
That performance has moved the 35-year-old up to number one contender for the WBA title.
"What I have to do is concentrate on 11 September and not look beyond this date," added Magee.
"I'm well aware of other boxers who were in similar circumstances and then came a cropper because they looked too far ahead.
"I won't allow this to happen because I know that a successful defence of my title will guarantee me a world title fight next time up."
Magee held a sparring session before the Belfast sporting media on Monday and insists that he is feeling "very sharp" ahead of next month's bout.
I believe I can be even better than I was against Larsen
Brian Magee
"I've prepared well. I've been hard at it in the gym and when I go into the ring (in Dublin) I will be 100 per cent.
"If the sparring I have had is any indication of my form and condition then my fans are going to see something special again.
"I believe I can be even better than I was against Larsen.
"I feel that with Bernardo Checa's coaching I am still learning and improving and I will demonstrate that on the night."
American Andre Ward is the current WBA champion but his involvement in the Super Six series could see Magee fighting another opponent for the world title.
"We will be keeping a close eye on the next round of the Super Six which culminates on 2 October," said the Belfast boxer's manager Pat Magee.
"At that stage two contenders will leave the stage. If they happen to be either Mikkel Kessler or Arthur Abraham then we could be looking forward to a mega fight with either of these two next year."
The Dublin bill on 11 September will also feature a second European title bout between Spain's Kiko Martinez and Arsen Martirosyan.
Martinez knocked out Bernard Dunne in one round to win the European title in 2007 but then lost the belt in his first defence against England's Rendall Munroe.
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