Paul McCloskey collected the British light welterweight title in December

Paul McCloskey retained his British light-welterweight title on Friday night with a fourth-round stoppage of Dean Harrison in Widnes.

The Dungiven fighter, who is now unbeaten in 19 contests, outclassed his Wolverhampton opponent and he floored Harrison in the first round.

"If I can get a European title shot in my next fight it will be a massive, massive bonus to me," said McCloskey.

"Whoever is there I can beat them. I just want the chance."

The 29-year-old dominated throughout at the Everton Park Sports Centre and cut Harrison at the end of the third round.

Referee Marcus McDonnell stepped in to stop the fight after one minute and 50 seconds of the fourth.

McCloskey was scheduled to defend his title against Barry Morrison but instead took on Harrison, one of his former sparring partners.

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