The incident happened at Summerhill Park in the Twinbrook area in the early hours of Saturday morning and has shocked the sport to its core that a 22 year-old with a professional career ahead of him could be taken in such a way.
Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said this about the stabbing: “We are currently investigating the circumstances which led to the death of such a young man as Eamonn, who is a son, a brother, a partner and a friend.
“I would therefore appeal to anyone who saw or heard any dispute in the Summerhill Park area, or who knows anything about this murder, to contact detectives at Lisburn Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.
“Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Boxing stars with a close affinity with the city, such as current world champion Carl Frampton and two-time Olympic medallist Paddy Barnes, have commented on Magee’s death which is yet another tragedy for boxing that could have been avoided.
“Absolutely terrible shocking news about Eamonn Magee Jr. May he RIP,” said Frampton, whilst a fuming Barnes stated: “RIP young Eammon Magee, murder by scum in Belfast last night.”
Magee Jr’s father was an active influence in his son following in his footsteps having won Commonwealth and WBU titles during his own career and shared the ring with the likes of Ricky Hatton, Shea Neary and Jon Thaxton.
