Paul McCloskey successfully defended his title in Letterkenny

Paul McCloskey produced a classy European light-welterweight title defence as he stopped Scotland's Barry Morrison in seven rounds.

The Dungiven man picked off Morrison in the opening rounds in Letterkenny and then put the ex-British champion on the canvas with a big right in the fifth.

Morrison tried to get McCloskey involved in a brawl but the end came after another knockdown in the seventh.

It was McCloskey's second defence of his title and his 22nd straight win.

After a disappointing performance in his previous bout against Giuseppe Lauri, McCloskey was back to his absolute best in Donegal and he will hope that his win edges him closer to a possible world title fight.

After his win, McCloskey again spoke of his desire to fight Amir Khan although it remains to be seen whether the English world champion will be keen to fight the slippery Irishman.

Morrison had no answer to McCloskey's fast hands and the Derry man showed punching power as well with his right hook in the fifth which caught the Scot flush on the temple.

Morrison bravely tried to fight his way back into the contest but it was little surprise when another knockdown heralded the end of the bout in the seventh.

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