BELFAST’S Eamonn Magee should have become the first ever Irishman to win the Commonwealth light welterweight crown and set himself up for a crack at a world title.
But a hugely-controversial verdict stunned the 27-year-old Ardoyne man at the end of his 12 round battle with Preston veteran Paul Burke at Bowlers night club in Manchester last night.
A gritty final round saw Burke hassle and harry but Magee’s footwork skills and accurate counters seemed to ensure he was a comfortable winner. Startled Sky TV presenters, former world champions Glen McCrory, Barry McGuigan and Chris Eubank all expressed total shocked at the 115-114 verdict.
An angry Magee said he felt he won the fight against the 32-year-old Preston fighter with ease: “I won it easily, and challenged Burke to a winner take all re-match.
“If he’s a man at all he’ll give me a re-match.
“If he wants I give him a winner takes all fight. Both of us put our purses down for the re-match and the winner takes all.
“He didn’t lay a glove on me, a couple of good rights, but Jesus I was hitting him at leisure. I can’t understand it, it’s just unreal.”
Burke had claimed the Commonwealth crown was already his after a controversial defeat in an ill-fated clash with Zambian Felix Bwayla last December.
Bwayla died three days after the bout and the title became vacant.
But after last night’s fight, a rematch must be a top priority.
ooooooooooooOOOOOoooooooooooo
ACTION-REPLAY scoring star Martin Coulter junior is expected to be fit to let fly for new Ulster champions Ballygalget in the All-Ireland series against Brother Pearses (London) on Sunday.
He has been undergoing regular physio treatment for a back injury since the Ards outfit’s roller-coaster run to provincial glory after a 23-year wait. Philbin Savage is also having treatment for a bruised foot, while left-back Liam Clarke is eligible for the clash with Brothers Pearse at Ruislip.
Clarke was sent off during the Ulster decider against Ballycastle.
He was reported for a double booking and served a minimum ban.
The only player definitely out of the frame for this quarter-final is Paddy Monan, who is resting up after breaking an ankle bone against Antrim’s representatives.
ooooooooooooOOOOOoooooooooooo
RONAN Rafferty has admitted that his current injury troubles could force him to retire from competitive golf. The Irishman hasn’t played any tournaments since last May because of a hand injury.
Since then he has undergone a variety of treatments including ultra-sound and cortisone injections but all to no avail.
“If I took Nurofen, I could probably play.
“But, after nine holes, I’d be sutffed. And, after 14, I couldn’t even hit a shot,” said Rafferty.
