Paul McCloskey has won all 17 of his professional bouts

Dungiven boxer Paul McCloskey has been handed a surprise British light-welterweight title chance in Dagenham, Essex on Friday.

David Barnes has been stripped of the British title after pulling out of his scheduled bout with Colin Lynes.

As a result, McCloskey will now fight Hornchurch's former European champion Lynes at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre.

McCloskey was scheduled to box an eight-rounder on the Dagenham undercard but he will now be topping the bill.

The 29-year-old has won all 17 of his professional bouts while Lynes, a former British champion, has claimed 31 victories from 35 fights.

Lynes, 31, lost his European title in May when he was outpointed by Italian Gianluca Branco in Turin.

The Englishmen claimed that the Turin verdict was a hometown decision but he will have home advantage for Friday's contest.

I believe I'm the better fighter and am very confident of beating Lynes Paul McCloskey

McCloskey, who is a cousin of X Factor contender Eoghan Quigg, says he's "more than ready" for 12 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," said McCloskey. "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. I've felt for a long time that I'm ready for these kind of fights.

"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."

McCloskey watched Lynes defend his European title from ringside in January when the Englishman outpointed Finland's Juho Tolppola.

The Northern Irishman has also studied a video of Lynes' European title defeat by Branco.

"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," added McCloskey.

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