Magee Halts Larsen To Claim Euro Belt

Dave Oakes recaps Saturday's European super-middleweight title clash between Mads Larsen and Brian Magee.

Brian Magee scored an impressive seventh round stoppage of Mads Larsen in Aarhus, Denmark on Saturday night to claim the vacant European super-middleweight title.

The first three rounds were close but Magee was landing the clearer shots and was looking the fresher fighter. Magee was attempting to back his opponent up, whilst Larsen was looking to pot-shot the Belfast man as he came in.

Larsen, the hometown hero, was coming in after a 13 month hiatus, and at times you could see him struggling to find the range as he tried to shake off the ring rust. Magee was also coming in off a 13 month break from the sport, having been forced to relinquish his British title after a series of injuries prevented him from defending his title.

The break seemed to have done Magee a favour, he was clearly fired up for the fight and realised that this might have been his last chance to position himself in line for a world title shot.

The fourth round was a good indicator as to how the fight would play out, Magee landed a couple of well place hooks to the body that appeared to hurt Larsen, Larsen tried to respond but Magee had noticed a weakness and went in for the kill.

Larsen was down from a body shot in the fifth and twice again in the sixth, although the first of the knockdowns in the sixth looked low. I was surprised that Larsen’s corner allowed him to come out for the seventh round, he was clearly struggling and he had nothing to prove having already valiantly clambered to his feet three times. The end came seconds into the round after another Magee rib cruncher put Larsen down yet again, the referee waved the contest off immediately.

The win should reinvigorate Magee’s career and, injuries permitting, he should be looking to make at least a couple of defences of the title this year. Magee reportedly earned a career high purse of around 150,000 Euros for this fight; he has always been a good professional and is one of the nicest blokes in boxing. I hope he can make himself a few quid before getting a world title shot, he deserves it.

The defeat could, and in my opinion should, signal the end of Larsen’s career, he turns 37 in a week’s time and age seems to be catching up with him. Having already been a European champion, and running Sven Ottke close in a world title bid (I thought he won by a couple of points), he can retire with his head held high.

Results from the undercard: Martin Kristjansen struggled to a draw against Felix Lora, Dennis Rasmussen beat Michael Achiaw on points over four rounds, Claus Bertino edged Paolo Vidoz via a MD, Lolenga Mock looked unimpressive beating Giovanni De Carolis via a MD and Christian Bladt and Giuseppe Langella drew after a close fight that could’ve gone either way.

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