Boxing: United fan base gives Magee new inspiration

BRIAN Magee will unite the country behind him tomorrow night as he seeks to bring the glory days back to the King's Hall.

Magee is facing up to the biggest test of his career fully aware that both sides of our divided society will be creating an atmosphere to cause a shiver up the spine of even a hardened challenger such as Robin Reid.

Unlike some sports boxing has usually managed to shine as a beacon of integration throughout our troubled times.

"Over here it seems to be getting better all the time and I am glad that there are people from every section of our community coming to support me against Reid. There's nothing like the atmosphere here," said Magee, whose affable and modest personality appeals across the divide.