Northern Ireland

Boxer Brian Magee packs punch for Action Cancer with fourth white collar tournament

Boxer Brian Magee with Action Cancer ambassador Sandra McCarry who was diagnosed through the charity's breast screening service
Boxer Brian Magee with Action Cancer ambassador Sandra McCarry who was diagnosed through the charity's breast screening service Boxer Brian Magee with Action Cancer ambassador Sandra McCarry who was diagnosed through the charity's breast screening service

FORMER world champion boxer Brian Magee is to hold his fourth 'white collar' tournament with the aim of raising £20,000 for Action Cancer.

The west Belfast man has already raised £50,000 for the charity's breast screening programme, paying for 625 appointments.

The next event will be held on Saturday March 30.

In the run-up to the fight night, participants are given eight weeks' free training at the boxer's Belfast gym, Magee Health and Fitness.

"The participants all train really hard and give it their all. They certainly earn every bit of the sponsorship they raise," Mr Magee said.

"It costs Action Cancer £80 to provide one woman with a breast screening appointment, so each white collar boxing participant could potentially save someone’s life by taking part.

"My aim is to reach £100,000 so we can provide 1,250 breast screenings or 4,000 health checks."

Sandra McCarry had her breast cancer detected through Action Cancer’s screening service.

She said: "I was 43 when my cancer was detected and that was seven years before I would have been screened by the NHS."

Training for the March fight begins with an induction night on Tuesday January 29 and no past boxing experience is needed.

Anyone interested in throwing their hat in the ring should contact the charity at boxing@actioncancer.org or by ringing 028 9080 3347.

During a professional career that lasted 13 years, two-time world champion Brian won 36 fights, including British, European, World and Intercontinental Super Middle Weight titles.