BOXING: A DEAL has been done for Robin Reid to take on Irishman Brian Magee in Belfast.
And it could be sooner rather than later that the two world champions meet at the King's Hall.
Leading promoter Barry Hearn has been trying to fix up the fight for this summer.
But indications are that it could take place sooner than expected.
A press conference is due to be held in Northern Ireland today (Thursday) at which full details will be announced.
In the meantime, a veil of secrecy has been drawn over the exact timing of the contest.
But WBF belt holder Reid is understood to have already stepped up his training - a sure sign that the bout is not very far away.
Magee made his seventh successful defence of the IBO title last month.
But the Ulsterman had to pick himself up off the floor to beat tough Nigerian Jerry Elliott on a unanimous points decision at the same venue where he will take on Reid.
Their respective titles will be on the line and it is believed the eagerly-awaited fight will also count as an eliminator for the WBA world title.
Hearn has launched a rigorous pursuit of Runcorn's 33-year-old Reid - dubbed the Reaperman - as the next opponent for Magee, one of the main men in his Matchroom Sport boxing stable.
Hearn said: 'I don't have any plan B, only a plan A, and that is a fight between Brian and Robin Reid back at the King's Hall.
'It is a big fight in which both fighters have everything to gain.
'I think Brian will have learned a lot from that fight. He will know a little bit more of what boxing at the top level is really all about.'
Reid, from Sutton Park, has won 36 of his 41 fights in an 11-year professional career.
He has suffered only four losses. His last outing in December last year ended in a controversial points defeat by the German IBF and WBA super-middle champion Sven Ottke, in Nuremberg.
With his strength, punching power and experience, Reid should have too much for Magee.
