By Victor Salazar 

Paterson, NJ- The theatre of the unexpected is a term synonymous with boxing. Things can happen unexpectedly, in and outside of the ring, especially for prospects who are under the radar. As a fighter in that situation, being ready is key. When Keenan Smith pulled out of a fight with Wellington Romero for this week’s ShoBox: The New Generation taking place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, an opening for a television shot and call came to Super Middleweight prospect John ‘Madman’ Magda’ (11-0,7 KO’s) from Rutherford, NJ. It was an opportunity he could not pass up.

“I’m excited,” Magda told krikya360.com. “It’s a great opportunity. I’ve been working 10 hard years for this shot.  I got to actually seize it and make the best of it. My manager Peter (Festa) actually called me two weeks ago and told me 2 weeks ago so we were 3 weeks out before the fight. We were looking for a fight so I was already training and ready so I said let’s do it.”

Now 24, Magda has been boxing since he was 14. Though he won many New Jersey amateur titles, he didn’t quite get the same attention as other blue chip prospects because he would fall short in the finals on the national level. So his journey to tv land hasn’t been easy. Since turning pro in 2013, he has fought in ballrooms as north of New Hampshire to casinos as west in Nevada. Magda hasn’t fought since last June but says he’s ready.

“I’ve been in the gym since November but I really haven’t peaked until now,” explained Magda. “I’m peaking right now but I been working and working. I’m ready.”

As he weighed himself after a training session in the rugged Ike and Randy's gym in inner city of Paterson, NJ, one of the tougher cities in New Jersey, the thought of being on television for the first time didn't dawned on him.

“I didn’t even think about the television,” said the 6 foot 1 southpaw. “It hasn’t hit me yet that I’ll be on television but I’m excited to just get a fight. It’s a great way to start the year of. I haven’t fought since last June. If I get a win here, I get moving in the right direction and go. I think stylistically it’s a good opportunity for me to shine.”

The Shobox telecast will feature 4 fights with 8 fighters who have a combined record 90 wins 4 losses and 3 draws. The premise of the series has always been to put quality prospects in against each other to springboard to future success on the world level. To date more than 50 fighters who have appeared on the series have become world champions, and Magda knows he must take full advantage of such a platform.

“It’s the new generation,” explained Magda. “It’s a great opportunity. There’s many many fighters who have become world champions from the series. It’s a great opportunity but if I don’t do my job it doesn’t mean anything.”

Atlantic City is a two and a half hour drive from Rutherford. Boardwalk Hall was a home to adopted New Jersey fighter Arturo Gatti, who would consistently pack 10,000 fans or more whenever Gatti fought in the venue. Because of the struggling economy and casino closures on the boardwalk, boxing has become barren in a once popular destination. Magda hopes to change that.

“I got a lot of people coming down to see me,” stated the super middleweight. “I’d like to bring out some jersey fans consistently down to Atlantic City. I hope to have many many fights there. Hopefully I can start a new chapter or something down there.”

It can’t start without a victory come Friday. His opponent, Christopher Booker is on the same path, a prospect with a good record with no major promotion behind him. So the opportunity for the 7 and 1 Philadelphia fighter with 5 knockouts is the same in their 8 round affair.

“He’s got the same chance as me,” acknowledged Magda. “He’s strong and comes forward. I think I have more skills than he does. He’s going to be there for me to hit so I think it should be a good fight and he will provide chances for me to shine.

Though managed by former world champion Kendall Holt’s former attorney, Peter Festa, Magda is advised by powerful advisor Al Haymon. Though he hasn’t fought on a Haymon card since 2014, Magda doesn’t buy into the politics and just wants to fight. The fight on Friday is a GH3 card.

“I am still advised by Haymon,” stated Magda. “I just want to fight. I’m not into the whole politics of everything. I just want to fight. If I get TV time, that’s great, I’m just a fighter man. I just worry about who, what, where, and when.”

The who is Christopher Booker, the what is Shobox, the where is Atlantic City, and the when is Friday. The rest is all on Magda.

It’s going to be excited. It’s a lesser dream come true because I want to win a world title. But ultimately I got to do my job and if I do, sky’s the limit.”