Paul McCloskey lands a body punch on Giuseppe Lauri in the title fight

Paul McCloskey retained the European light-welterweight title with an 11th-round knockout against Italian Giuseppe Lauri in Belfast on Friday night.

The Dungiven fighter was not at his best but produced a superb punch early in the 11th to floor Lauri.

"I'm happy with the result but I am not happy with my performance - it was poor by my standards," said McCloskey.

Scotland's Kevin McInytre defeated Stephen Haughian on points to win the vacant Celtic welterweight title.

McCloskey added: "But I landed the shot I needed at the end."

The 30-year-old from County Londonderry has now won all 21 of his professional fights.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version