Christmas cancelled for Michael Maguire

Super-flyweight Michael Maguire’s much anticipated return to the ring earlier this month failed to materialise, following opponent Najah Ali’s having to withdraw before they were due to face each other on the undercard of the Lee Selby-John Simpson British and Commonwealth title clash.

The match will now take place on the undercard of Maguire’s gym mate Leon ‘Solid’ Williams' British cruiserweight title defence at York Hall in London on Friday 13th January 2012.

Following a full on sparring session with super-featherweight George Jupp, who is also on the card on the 13th, Maguire said, “Najah had the flu so obviously couldn’t fight me then, so we’ll fight on January 13th instead.

"He’ll be fitter, he’ll be training hard to try and beat me, which he wont because I’m going all the way to the top. I’ve started training hard so I’m ready for the new date.

"I’ve been sparring George Jupp, I really rate him, he’s really good. He’s two or three weights above me and I can stand and trade with him, which is good Also been sparring with Martin (Power), he’s all right, you know what I mean, he’s strong on the inside but too easy to pick off.

"I’m 22, I’ve always cheated myself in life yet still won my fights, now I’m doing everything right so I come back better and better. It’s hard being away from my family over Christmas but I just have to knuckle down and do all the stuff that I hadn’t done before and it’ll pay off so it’s worth it.

"I’m taking this return serious, no messing I’m going all out to beat Najah on the 13th.”