Boxing Perspective: Paul McCloskey

Saturday, March 29. For the first time in his career Paul McCloskey was taking charge of a ship, one which belonged to a fleet of Brian Peters’ promoted boxing events taking place in recent weeks.

McCloskey was calm in the build up. One assumed that with his first big occasion looming ahead of him, the Derry man would have displayed some nerves or apprehension. Instead, the week preceding the fight presented a Paul McCloskey who smiled politely at the fights mention and mingled easily with the press.

Opposing him, Cesar Bazan, a fighter who had been a world title holder at lightweight, fighting with passion in each bout and in the Mexican spirit, was not going to surrender, even at a time when his greatest achievements are memories now overshadowed by his losses to greater, more notable opposition.

Indeed, his opposition had been well documented in the fightʼs promotion. With over half a century of fights on his record, Bazan had never ran from or alluded any opponent. His record contains a couplet of losses to two truly great fighters in fellow Mexican Jose Luis Castillo and the Puerto-Rican Welterweight sensation, Miguel Cotto.

For Paul McCloskey, this elevation in the level of competition would serve as his certification. With a successful result, McCloskeyʼs professional apprenticeship would be complete and he could begin to advance into the fistic world.

The fight itself was a joy for any journalist. Every round was incredibly similar and if one were to pen a detailed report of the first round, the author could easily pass it off as a report of any of the nine rounds that followed.

McCloskey opened the fight on the front foot, his southpaw jab and straight left penetrating Bazanʼs defence at will. When threatened, McCloskey was rescued by his exemplary reflexes, swaying away or under Bazanʼs superior reach so effectively that he was rarely hit.

Whilst controlling the pace of the fight and Bazanʼs attack with his movement and defence, McCloskey jabbed extremely well, frequently following with the cross and hook.

As the fight grew deeper in rounds, McCloskey landed an increasing number of flush blows. Bazan took them gallantly, but never seemed in the humour to launch an assault of his own.

In the sixth, Bazan was urged to aggressively pursue McCloskey, but although enjoying some small successes early in the round, he was punished for his daring with snappy counters and accurate jabbing.

McCloskey closed shop after round six, forcing the Mexican to wobble a number of times, backing him to the ropes on numerous occasions and defending well throughout. Upon the conclusion, McCloskey raised his hands modestly, although it was apparent that he had won each round of this thoroughly one-sided affair.

It was difficult not to admire McCloskey in this fight; he surprised a vastly more experienced opponent, disarmed him of all ammunition and launched his own educated attack.

However, if one were to find flaw with McCloskey, an in depth analysis would not be required. His primary flaw is open and apparent. His defence, so brilliant on this specific night, is based upon his reflexes and his ability to evade punishment. He carries both hands worryingly low and relies entirely upon his natural ability to care for him.

As boxing fans have witnessed in the past, with the falls of Muhmmad Ali and Roy Jones being ideal examples, time erodes the bodyʼs reflexes and athleticism quickly. Already 28, McCloskey cannot rely on his ability to frustrate opponents forever.

In truth, this fight was won on defence and evasion. McCloskey does not have sufficient power of his own to damage an opponent. Purists would argue that power is far from essential, but when the fighter neglects his guard and relies on head movement, I feel it is important to have some power to dissuade the advance of a determined opponent.

McCloskey is an admirable character, a dedicated father and husband as well as a diligent trainer; his presence on the Irish boxing scene is greatly welcomed as he is an ideal role model for any young boxer. If his work ethic in combat and training was adopted by all fighters, our sport would undoubtedly be among the most popular in the world.

To see McCloskey headlining an event in Leterkenny, Co. Donegal, is a great indication of the revival of boxing in modern sport.

In Ireland, the sport has once again begun to receive the attention of the media and general public. Brian Peters has showcased a wealth of new talent in his recent shows and with another show on April 12, the continuation of this resurgence is guaranteed.

With world boxing on a high note, it is reassuring to find that domestic boxing is also in growth stage, producing and cultivating more fighters than any time in my memory.