Boxing In Ireland: McCloskey Defends European Crown Against Lauri In Belfast

ByBoxing Press

European Light Welterweight King Paul McCloskey has no intention of abdicating his throne when he faces mandatory challenger Giuseppe Lauri at The King’s Hall, Belfast on Friday, June 11th.

The undefeated Dungiven southpaw stretched his perfect record to 20 straight wins last time out with an impressive stoppage victory over Daniel Rasilla to capture the European crown and he says he’s ready to fulfill another career milestone by headlining at the King’s Hall next month.

“To headline a bill at a legendary venue like The King’s Hall is a dream come true,” said McCloskey. “It’s such a historic venue and all the top boxers have fought there down through the years so to headline a bill there will be special.

“I fought on the undercard there when John Duddy beat Howard Eastman and I actually got to make my pro debut there in 2005 so it is nice to be able to go back there in the main event on a big night of boxing.”

McCloskey however is under no illusions that experienced Italian Giuseppe Lauri will be out to spoil the party and says he won’t be taking anything for granted. “He is a tough, experienced customer and has only been beaten by the top guys like Ricky Hatton and Junior Witter.

“He has been at this level for a long time so he knows what it’s all about and I know it won’t be easy but as long as I perform to my best on the night then I’m confident that I’ll beat him.”

McCloskey says he’s determined not to be sidetracked by any talk regarding a possible World title fight in the near future. “If I keep wining then I’m sure the World title shot will come my way but I can’t afford to look beyond my next fight. I just have to win, and win in style to keep climbing the rankings and then hopefully a world title opportunity will present itself in the next 12 months.”

The June 11th event also marks promoter Barry Hearn’s return to the Kings Hall having first promoted there in 1994 when the WBO Super Middleweight title rematch between Chris Eubank and Ray Close topped the bill.

“The Kings Hall is synonymous with a tradition of world class boxing,” said Hearn. “It’s one of those venues that people automatically associate with great nights, great fights and great fighters, guys like Rinty Monaghan, Barry McGuigan, Dave McAuley, Johnny Caldwell and Freddie Gilroy.

“It’s a special venue and to headline it you need a special fighter and Paul McCloskey has certainly looked a bit special of late. He’s an outstanding talent and reminds me a little of another southpaw who featured on one of my last Kings Hall promotions, a young man by the name of Sergio Martinez and he hasn’t gone on to do badly has he?”, said Hearn referring to the man who defeated Kelly Pavlik last month to become the World Middleweight champion.

The event will be live on Sky Sports and tickets priced ï¿¡30, ï¿¡60 and ï¿¡90 are available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets. Contact Ticketmaster 0844 8472455 (0818 719300 from ROI), Box Office 01277 359900, Julie 07745698372, Francie 07803282224.