Paul McCloskey hopes that a successful defence of his European light-welterweight belt next month will move him closer to a world title tilt.

McCloskey will be making his first title defence on 11 June against Italy's Giuseppe Lauri in Belfast.

"It's a dangerous fight but I think I can do a good job in it," said McCloskey of the King's Hall bout.

"I'm in the top 10 in the world now so I can realistically hope for a world title fight."

McCloskey added:"I would fight (WBA champion) Amir Khan tomorrow if I got the opportunity but the fact that he's based in America now might not make it easy to get that fight.

"But there are Devon Alexander (WBC and IBF) and Timothy Bradley (WBO) out there as well so there are a few possibilities."

However, first things first, Dungiven man McCloskey must take care of mandatory European challenger Lauri.

"I've been studying him and he's a tough man.

"He's won 50 of his 56 fights and had 27 or 28 knockouts.

"He's dangerous but that's why I'm training so hard for this fight."

The chief supporting bout at the King's Hall will see Stephen Haughian taking on former British champion Kevin McIntyre for the Celtic Welterweight title.

Haughian believes that a win next month should be enough to secure him a straight track at the British title.

"It's been a frustrating time for me recently with fights falling through but this is the break I've been looking for," said the 25-year-old.

Cavan fighter Andy Murray, Carl Frampton and Cuban Alexei Acosta will also be on the bill.

European Union lightweight champion Murray has won his opening 18 professional bouts and hopes to earn a European title fight with John Murray in the near future.

Former World Junior Champion Acosta is based in Cork and has won all 10 of his professional bouts.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version