Paul McCloskey will finally get his chance at a European title on July 3rd but the undefeated Derry man will have to concede home advantage by travelling to France to battle it out with former World Champion Souleymane M'baye for the vacant European Light Welterweight title.
McCloskey was made an offer that manager and trainer John Breen admitted was simply too good to refuse to travel to Paris to take on M’baye. “They made us a very, very good offer to go to France but Paul’s one of those guys who has no problems going into the lions den,” said Breen.
The fight will take place at the Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret in what is effectively M’baye’s hometown. “They could fight in M’baye’s front room as far as I’m concerned and Paul would still beat him. I’ve said all along he’s a World Champion in the making and he’ll prove that again that winning a European title on the road.
“Paul beat Colin Lynes in his back yard to win the British title at a weeks notice and his first defence was on the road too against Dean Harrison in Liverpool and he knocked him out so it’s not an issue for him.
“He’s in good shape because we’ve known for a while now that the fight was going to happen in early July but now that the venue and an exact date has been set we have something to focus on.”
McCloskey echoed Breen’s sentiments and says he can’t wait to get his hands on the European title. “I’ve no problem going to Paris,” revealed the undefeated Dungiven southpaw. “It’s a beautiful city and hopefully it will be a beautiful night with me lifting the European title. At the end of the day when the ring clears and that first bell goes it will be just me, him and the referee in that ring so the crowd won’t have any affect on me.”
Despite his confidence McCloskey has long been an admirer of M’baye who held the WBA World Light Welterweight title from 2006 – 2007. “I used to watch a lot of M’baye’s early fights when I was still in the amateurs, revealed McCloskey.
”He’s very slick, durable and he can punch a bit himself. There’s no doubt about it he’s a world class operator, you don’t win World titles without being world class. He’s only been beaten 3 times in 41 fights and he has wins over some very good fighters including Andriy Kotelnik who’s defending his World title against Amir Khan this month.”
McCloskey though believes that he can use the European title as a spring board to even further success. “This is a huge opportunity for me. Manny Pacquiao aside there is no one in the division that’s setting the world alight. Winning the European title would set me up nicely for a shot at a World title. Obviously I’d like to consolidate at European level first with a couple of defences but if Amir Khan can take the World title off Kotelnik in a few weeks time then that’s a fight I would relish at some point down the road.”See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
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Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved
Showing posts with label Paul McCloskey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul McCloskey. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
McCloskey out to prove he has the X Factor against Lynes
Paul McCloskey is determined to prove he has the X Factor by taking the British Light Welterweight title on Friday night in Dagenham. McCloskey, a cousin of X Factor semi finalist Eoghan Quigg has been handed a surprise shot at the title following the withdrawal of David Barnes over the weekend. The champion’s withdrawal handed McCloskey the opportunity to face former European champ Lynes for the vacant title and he didn’t need to be asked twice.
The Dungiven southpaw was scheduled to fight in an 8 round contest on the undercard of the Matchroom Sports promotion which is being televised live by Sky Sports. Despite the late promotion to headline status McCloskey says he’s more than ready for twelve hard championship rounds with Lynes. “It’s a chance that has come a bit out of the blue but it’s one I’m ready for”, declared the undefeated 29-year-old. “I’ve sparred over 100 rounds and my weight is perfect. I always give it 100% in training for each and every fight so I’m in excellent shape.
“To be honest I’ve felt for a long time that I’m ready for these kind of fights. I feel I’m at my peak as an athlete so from that point of view the timing of this has been perfect. At the start of the year I set a goal for myself of ending the year as either British or European champion so this is my chance to make that happen.”
Lynes will have home advantage for the bout at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre and the Hornchurch native will be confident of reclaiming the British title he vacated last year. McCloskey though has other ideas and having watching Lynes defend his European title from ringside earlier this year he didn’t see too much to worry him. “I watched Colin outpoint Juho Tolppola back in January and he’s a decent fighter, he’s proved he’s above British level having won the European title but I believe I’m the better fighter and am very confident of beating him.
“I've also just watched his European title defeat to Gianluca Branco and while he’s technically very good I think he probably left the title behind him in Italy because if he’d been a bit more adventurous I believe he’d have beaten Branco. I’m not sure how he’ll feel about fighting me, he was preparing to fight a southpaw anyway with Barnes so maybe the change won’t affect him too much. I’m sure the bookies will probably have him favourite and if he’s underestimating me then that’s fine as well.
"I’ve answered every question asked of me in my pro career to date and this is just another test I have to pass. The fact that the fight will be in his own back garden only makes it all the more special. I’m buzzing about this opportunity, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m confident of delivering the goods on Friday night."
The John Breen trained stylist improved his perfect record to 17 straight wins this year courtesy of wins over Mexican dangerman, Manuel Garnica, former World Champ, Cesar Bazan and leading British contender Nigel Wright. His promoter Brian Peters believes he’s ready to add the scalp of Lynes to that list on Friday night. “Paul has been pretty much flawless to date in his pro career and I believe he’s capable of winning British, European and World titles. He’s been something of a well kept secret from British fight fans until now but I think they’ll all find out just how good he is on Friday night.”
Tickets for Friday night's fight cost £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
The Dungiven southpaw was scheduled to fight in an 8 round contest on the undercard of the Matchroom Sports promotion which is being televised live by Sky Sports. Despite the late promotion to headline status McCloskey says he’s more than ready for twelve hard championship rounds with Lynes. “It’s a chance that has come a bit out of the blue but it’s one I’m ready for”, declared the undefeated 29-year-old. “I’ve sparred over 100 rounds and my weight is perfect. I always give it 100% in training for each and every fight so I’m in excellent shape.
“To be honest I’ve felt for a long time that I’m ready for these kind of fights. I feel I’m at my peak as an athlete so from that point of view the timing of this has been perfect. At the start of the year I set a goal for myself of ending the year as either British or European champion so this is my chance to make that happen.”
Lynes will have home advantage for the bout at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre and the Hornchurch native will be confident of reclaiming the British title he vacated last year. McCloskey though has other ideas and having watching Lynes defend his European title from ringside earlier this year he didn’t see too much to worry him. “I watched Colin outpoint Juho Tolppola back in January and he’s a decent fighter, he’s proved he’s above British level having won the European title but I believe I’m the better fighter and am very confident of beating him.
“I've also just watched his European title defeat to Gianluca Branco and while he’s technically very good I think he probably left the title behind him in Italy because if he’d been a bit more adventurous I believe he’d have beaten Branco. I’m not sure how he’ll feel about fighting me, he was preparing to fight a southpaw anyway with Barnes so maybe the change won’t affect him too much. I’m sure the bookies will probably have him favourite and if he’s underestimating me then that’s fine as well.
"I’ve answered every question asked of me in my pro career to date and this is just another test I have to pass. The fact that the fight will be in his own back garden only makes it all the more special. I’m buzzing about this opportunity, I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m confident of delivering the goods on Friday night."
The John Breen trained stylist improved his perfect record to 17 straight wins this year courtesy of wins over Mexican dangerman, Manuel Garnica, former World Champ, Cesar Bazan and leading British contender Nigel Wright. His promoter Brian Peters believes he’s ready to add the scalp of Lynes to that list on Friday night. “Paul has been pretty much flawless to date in his pro career and I believe he’s capable of winning British, European and World titles. He’s been something of a well kept secret from British fight fans until now but I think they’ll all find out just how good he is on Friday night.”
Tickets for Friday night's fight cost £30 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
See you at the Fights and Thanks for your time.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Monday, July 14, 2008
McCloskey desperate for title action
Paul McCloskey is hoping that an impressive win over English Champion Nigel Wright on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick on July 19th will land him the title shot which he desperately craves”.The County Derry stylist is unbeaten in 16 pro fights and he says he’s ready for a title shot be that on the British, European or World stage.“I feel I’m ready for anyone right now,” said the Dungiven native. “I’m 28 so I don’t have any time to waste and I’d jump at the chance of fighting for a major title.”McCloskey has watched with interest some of the major moves in the light welterweight division recently and he hopes to join the movers and shakers with a win over Wright.
“Things are changing all the time, the WBC, WBA, WBO titles have all changed hands recently as has the European title. I’d love a crack at any one of those guys. Ricky Hatton is still the top man in the division and that would be a dream fight for me. I was over in Manchester sparring his brother Matthew before his last fight and Ricky was training for the Lazcano fight. I would have loved the chance to spar Ricky as well but with me being a southpaw and Lazcano being orthodox it wasn’t really an option.”
Speaking of southpaws McCloskey has also been keeping a close eye on fellow portsider and British champion David Barnes who retained his title last weekend courtesy of a points win over former champ Barry Morrison.
“It wasn’t the greatest of fights to be honest but Barnes did what he had to do. Morrison just didn’t seem to have a plan B and you can be assured if I got a crack at Barnes I’d have plenty of plans up my sleeve. He’s a good, solid fighter but I’d be very confident of beating him. He likes to fight at his own pace so I don’t think he likes to be put under pressure.”
In fact McCloskey believes there are a lot of similarities between Barnes and his opponent in Limerick, Nigel Wright. “Well the obvious one is that they are both southpaw but I think they have similar styles as well. Nigel has a tendency to fade in the middle rounds so again I think that putting pressure on him from the start might be the best way to fight him.
He is a pretty fast starter himself though but I think I’ll surprise him because I’ll be quick out of the blocks as well.”
As well as working hard with trainer John Breen McCloskey has also spent time with Ricky Hatton’s conditioning coach and nutritionist Kerry Kayes.
“I had a few good conversations with Kerry when I was in Manchester and since then he’s been over to Belfast to speak with me and the rest of the lads at John’s gym. I’ve always been very interested in that side of the sport and it’s something I’ve always taken seriously so it was great to get some input from Kerry as well.”
McCloskey ha brought in Ugandan puncher Badru Lusambya for some intensive sparring ahead of his July 19th date in Limerick and he says preparations could not have gone better. “Lusambya’s been giving me some good work. He’s unbeaten in 18 fights and has 16 KO’s so he’s pretty ambitious himself. I get great sparring in the gym as it is with the likes of Neil Sinclair, Stephen Haughian, Jim Rock and Jason McKay but you need new guys as well to freshen things up. At this level you can’t afford to cut any corners in your preparations and this fight with Wright really is a very important one for me.”
McCloskey admits to being puzzled at recently being named “the most protected fighter at light welterweight” by the Ring magazine but he says he’s not unduly bothered.
“At the end of the day what’s written on a piece on paper doesn’t matter, it’s what you achieve in your career. I know people will look at my last few fights and say that they’ve been too easy but that’s because I’ve made them look easy.
“That’s my style of fighting and I think it demoralised some of these guys. Garnica had been robbed against Juan Lazcano not long before fighting me and of course he went on to fight Ricky Hatton recently. Bazan was a former World Champion and believe me has was still a tough, tough guy.
“Since fighting me both Bazan and Garnica have gone on to record wins and Bazan is scheduled to fight on the Cotto – Margarito undercard in a couple of weeks time. People have said that they were finished but I think that’s because I made them look finished so sometimes you can be a victim of your own success. I know though that if I get the opportunity I’ll prove I belong at the highest level.”
McCloskey’s ten round bout with Wright is the chief support to the clash between Andy Lee and Willie “The Gladiator” Gibbs on the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick on July 19th.
The 8 bout card also features welterweight prospect Stephen Haughian from Lurgan, Galway’s John O’Donnell, former Lee opponent, Jason McKay, Castlebar puncher Keith Cresham, Limerick’s own Jamie Power and the pro debut of Canadian – Irishman Logan McGuinness.
Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 are available from Ticketmaster.ie, and all usual outlets.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Ladbrokes.com Fight Night - Lee to clash with Gibbs in Limerick
Ladbrokes.com Fight Night headlined by Andy Lee at the University Sports Arena, Limerick on July 19th. Lee will meet American, Willie "The Gladiator" Gibbs. The card also features unbeaten light welterweight Paul McCloskey against reigning English Champion Nigel Wright.
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1
EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine
Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/
©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall
Hunky Dorys Fight Night – Bazan predicts McCloskey’s downfall
Former World Champion Cesar Bazan arrived in Letterkenny this week promising to wreck Paul McCloskey’s unbeaten record. The two men meet in the top of the bill on this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Letterkenny Leisure Complex and Bazan is brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.
The Mexican arrived in Letterkenny on Sunday to acclimatise after a gruelling 6 week training camp in the mountains near his native Mexico City.
“Everything has been great since I arrived in Ireland, the people have been very nice and it is a beautiful country. I have trained long and hard for this fight and I am in great shape. I had 4 fights in France earlier in my career so fighting and winning in Europe is nothing new to me.”
Bazan admits to knowing little about McCloskey or caring for his ever-growing reputation as one of the light welterweight division’s hottest prospects. “I never heard of Paul McCloskey until I was asked to fight him and I don’t think I’ll be hearing any more about him after this weekend either. I am only concerned with myself and my preparations.”
Now 33 Bazan captured the WBC Lightweight title in 1998 by beating Stevie Johnson. He made 2 successful defences before losing to Johnson in a rematch on a split decision but Bazan believes he’s still capable of recapturing his world title winning form.
His current record stands at 46 wins and 9 defeats but he disputes all but 2 of those losses. “Except for my losses to Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo all my losses have been controversial. Just look at my record and see how many split decisions have gone against me and in the other guys hometown. What does that tell you?
“I just hope I get a fair deal in Ireland but I don’t think there will be any doubt about the winner of this fight. I know I have the power to knock out McCloskey. I wish Paul McCloskey well in his career but he is not in my league. I have fought the best and beaten the best, McCloskey hasn’t beaten anyone so far.”
McCloskey insists that he’s undaunted by Bazan’s reputation. “His record is certainly impressive,” admitted the Dungiven southpaw. “He’s a puncher and has twice as many KO’s as I’ve had fights so you have to respect that. He’s also very durable and has only been stopped by big names like Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo. But having said all that I’ve been ready for fights like this for some time now so I’m looking to go in there and do an impressive job on this guy.”
The undercard will feature former World title challenger and British Champion Neil Sinclair. The power punching Belfast man is desperate to get back in to title contention but first he will need to get past durable Spaniard Juan Martinez Bas in Letterkenny.
Also on the undercard are a pair of reigning Irish Champions, Light Welterweight title holder, Andrew Murray and Light Middleweight kingpin Ciaran Healy. Murray has stepped in for the injured Stephen Haughian in what will be a quick return to action following a stoppage win on the Macklin – Campas undercard in Dublin last weekend.
Healy will be out for revenge in his 8 round contest with Pavel Lotah. The Latvian outpointed him over 6 rounds in Limerick last month so Healy will be looking to even the score in Letterkenny.
Also on the bill is undefeated Omagh prospect Damian Taggart and new pro Luke Wilton who will be making his first start in the paid ranks.
Cuban heavyweight Mike Perez has also been forced off the card with an injury suffered in last weekend's win at the National Stadium.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
Former World Champion Cesar Bazan arrived in Letterkenny this week promising to wreck Paul McCloskey’s unbeaten record. The two men meet in the top of the bill on this Saturday’s Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Letterkenny Leisure Complex and Bazan is brimming with confidence ahead of the clash.
The Mexican arrived in Letterkenny on Sunday to acclimatise after a gruelling 6 week training camp in the mountains near his native Mexico City.
“Everything has been great since I arrived in Ireland, the people have been very nice and it is a beautiful country. I have trained long and hard for this fight and I am in great shape. I had 4 fights in France earlier in my career so fighting and winning in Europe is nothing new to me.”
Bazan admits to knowing little about McCloskey or caring for his ever-growing reputation as one of the light welterweight division’s hottest prospects. “I never heard of Paul McCloskey until I was asked to fight him and I don’t think I’ll be hearing any more about him after this weekend either. I am only concerned with myself and my preparations.”
Now 33 Bazan captured the WBC Lightweight title in 1998 by beating Stevie Johnson. He made 2 successful defences before losing to Johnson in a rematch on a split decision but Bazan believes he’s still capable of recapturing his world title winning form.
His current record stands at 46 wins and 9 defeats but he disputes all but 2 of those losses. “Except for my losses to Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo all my losses have been controversial. Just look at my record and see how many split decisions have gone against me and in the other guys hometown. What does that tell you?
“I just hope I get a fair deal in Ireland but I don’t think there will be any doubt about the winner of this fight. I know I have the power to knock out McCloskey. I wish Paul McCloskey well in his career but he is not in my league. I have fought the best and beaten the best, McCloskey hasn’t beaten anyone so far.”
McCloskey insists that he’s undaunted by Bazan’s reputation. “His record is certainly impressive,” admitted the Dungiven southpaw. “He’s a puncher and has twice as many KO’s as I’ve had fights so you have to respect that. He’s also very durable and has only been stopped by big names like Miguel Cotto and Jose Luis Castillo. But having said all that I’ve been ready for fights like this for some time now so I’m looking to go in there and do an impressive job on this guy.”
The undercard will feature former World title challenger and British Champion Neil Sinclair. The power punching Belfast man is desperate to get back in to title contention but first he will need to get past durable Spaniard Juan Martinez Bas in Letterkenny.
Also on the undercard are a pair of reigning Irish Champions, Light Welterweight title holder, Andrew Murray and Light Middleweight kingpin Ciaran Healy. Murray has stepped in for the injured Stephen Haughian in what will be a quick return to action following a stoppage win on the Macklin – Campas undercard in Dublin last weekend.
Healy will be out for revenge in his 8 round contest with Pavel Lotah. The Latvian outpointed him over 6 rounds in Limerick last month so Healy will be looking to even the score in Letterkenny.
Also on the bill is undefeated Omagh prospect Damian Taggart and new pro Luke Wilton who will be making his first start in the paid ranks.
Cuban heavyweight Mike Perez has also been forced off the card with an injury suffered in last weekend's win at the National Stadium.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €60 are on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
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