Callahan is suffering from a heart complaint - and Magee, brought out of boxing’s wilderness by Callahan seven years ago after a successful amateur career, is eager to repay his mentor’s faith in his ability.

Magee has been in training for the past six weeks in the small Co Down village of Loughinisland, staying at a little cottage away from friends and family.

‘‘This is a very important fight for me, and it’s a pity Mike will not be there. But I will have to give him a performance that will help him get better,’’ said Magee.

‘‘He has told me I have to do a professional job, and I intend to do just that against Thaxton.

‘‘When I get him out of the way then I can start thinking about even bigger fights.’’

Coach John Breen will be keeping Magee focused on the job he has prepared so diligently for.

‘‘Mike and I are very proud of the way Eamonn has sacrificed and prepared for this fight, and it will show when he gets in the ring,’’ said Breen.

‘‘Obviously we are concerned about Mike but we have to get this job out of the way - Eamonn needs a good performance.

‘‘Thaxton’s a good fighter, and I thought he should have beaten Hatton - Hatton’s cut was so bad it should have been stopped.

‘‘But he will find that Eamonn is a different fighter and a harder puncher. I expect Eamonn to get to him in the middle rounds.’’