However, Magee then blotted his copybook in many people’s eyes when refusing to defend that title against late stand-in Brian Barbosa in Liverpool 14 months ago.

The cynics suggested that Barbosa’s rock-solid record had scared off Magee, and his withdrawal was made to look all the worse when local youngster Tony Dodson stepped in and outpointed the tough Puerto Rican instead.

Magee, though, insists his decision not to fight had nothing to do with the quality of his challenger.

He said: “What happened before that fight was that I had seven different opponents put before me in one week. I watched video after video only for each fighter to pull out.

“Then with three days to go they brought out another new challenger and I’d just had enough of being messed about, especially as I’d originally been booked to box on the Naseem Hamed bill a week earlier only for that to be cancelled.

“All my fans had booked expensive flights over for that date and had lost their money so I couldn’t expect them to pay out again for another show, especially with what was going on.

“It was just one thing after another. It was nothing to do with Barbosa’s record, in fact the guy I was originally supposed to fight would have been far more dangerous.

“As far as I was concerned, it was never a case of me pulling out because I was scared to take the Puerto Rican on and I was amazed when people started saying that.

“I’d just had enough of opponents being put before me and then not getting on the plane or getting injured.

“But all that’s well behind me now. I’ve had three good wins since then and on Saturday night I’ve really got the chance to silence the doubters once and for all.”

Rugged South African Andre Thysse will certainly give Magee that opportunity at the MEN Arena after claiming the Commonwealth title with a bloody win over Ipswich’s David Starie last time out.

“Thysse is coming off his best performance to date with a win over David Starie so he’ll be very confident, but that result also gives me even more of an incentive to put on a good show,” said Magee, who celebrated his 28th birthday earlier this month.

Magee has been brought along slowly since securing his IBO belt but now his ambitions are becoming far loftier.

“Joe Calzaghe is obviously the kingpin in my division at the moment but if I can get the WBC belt or another world title then I’m sure a match-up with him could be made,” he concluded.