Paul McCloskey has won his opening 14 professional fights

McCloskey is unbeaten in 14 fights and he is hoping to land a European title fight this year.

Garnica has an impressive record as his victims include former world champions Carlos Maussa and Gabriel Ruelas.

His win over Maussa came just after the Colombian had lost his IBF world title to Ricky Hatton in 2006.

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The Guadalajara native suffered a controversial defeat against the highly-rated Juan Lazcano in his next bout.

Garnica's career also includes a narrow points defeat in 1999 by another former world champion, John John Molina.

That setback led him to quit the sport in disgust but he returned to the ring just over three years ago and the 33-year-old believes he can still get to the very top.

"McCloskey might think I am finished but I still believe I can win a world title," said Garnica.

"I am more dedicated than ever now. Everybody knows I definitely beat Lazcano in his backyard.

McCloskey has a good record but I do not think he has fought anybody like me before Manuel Garnica

"After the fight he came into my dressing room and said, 'if the fight would have been in Mexico, you would have won'."

Garnica believes that the scheduled 10 rounder will prove a step too far for McCloskey.

"McCloskey has a good record but I do not think he has fought anybody like me before. This is a great opportunity for me and I plan to make the best of it.''

Derryman McCloskey accounted for Olympic silver medallist and former European champion Tontcho Tontchev in his last outing in December.

The Limerick bill will be headlined by local hero Andy Lee's 10-round contest against Argentine Alejandro Gustavo Falliga.

The card also features Matthew Macklin in another scheduled 10-rounder against Frenchman Christophe Karagoz.

Irish champions Jason McKay and Ciaran Healy also feature alongside undefeated Mayo prospect, Michael Sweeney.