Paul McCloskey
Undefeated European champion Paul McCloskey, 31, has been confirmed as Amir Khan's opponent for the homecoming defence of his light-welterweight crown at Manchester's MEN Arena on 16 April.
Paul McCloskey the Northern Irish southpaw, nicknane DUDEY, may be seen as the underdog going into this contest but McCloskey insists he has seen flaws in Amir Khan and labelled the WBA champion "beatable"
Paul McCloskey has made these remarks from Khan's last fight against Marcos Maidana in November, which was a brutal bout in Las Vegas - which won the Boxing Writers Association of America's fight of the year award - and which saw Amir Khan survive a torrid tenth round before claiming a points win.
Amir Khan v Paul McCloskey 16th April MEN
Despite the victory, McCloskey feels that display also highlighted a number of weaknesses in Khan and claims he will be ready to take advantage when they meet.
"Maidana took serious punches from Khan but, except for the one body punch at the start when he went down, he wasn't rocked. Khan's not a big puncher," McCloskey stated.
"Khan is seen as a superstar but he's certainly beatable. Yes, he's improved dramatically under Freddie Roach but in his last fight Maidana had him rocked.
"The referee could have stepped in and stopped the fight when Maidana caught Khan in the 10th round but it was Khan's conditioning which stood by him - he ran like a mad man trying to stay out of the way."
| World Championship Boxing | Date | Venue | Book Boxing Tickets |
| Amir Khan v Paul McCloskey | 16 April 2011 | Manchester Evening News Arena |
|
PAUL McCLOSKEY FIGHT HISTORY
Paul McCloskey vs: Barry Morrison – 2nd October 2010Dudey Weight: 139¼ lb | Morrison Weight: 140
Letterkenny Leisure Complex, Letterkenny, Ireland
Referee: Mark Green
Judge: Marcus McDonnell | Judge: Phil Edwards | Judge: John Keane
~ EBU (European) light welterweight title ~
Paul McCloskey vs: Guiseppe Lauri – 11th June 2010Dudey Weight: 139½ lb | Lauri Weight: 138¾
Location: Kings Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Referee: Robin Dolpierre
Judge: Esa Lehtosaari | Judge: Manuel Oliver Maritxalar | Judge: Andre Pasquier
~ EBU (European) light welterweight title ~
Lauri picks up slight cuts to both eyebrows early. McCloskey cut above the right eye in the 8th round. McCloskey deducted a point in the 10th for use of the head.
Paul McCloskey vs: Daniel Rasilla – 6th November 2009Dudey Weight: 139¼ lb | Rasilla Weight: 139lb
Location: Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Referee: Erkki Meronen
Judge: Raiko Djajic | Judge: Anssi Perajoki | Judge: Franco Ciminale
~ Vacant EBU (European) light welterweight title ~
Rasilla down twice in the 9th, initially from a right hook to the head and then a left cross.
Paul McCloskey vs: Dean Harrison – 13th March 2009
Dudey Weight: 139 lb
Harrison Weight: 140lb
Location: Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Referee: Marcus McDonnell
Judge: Phil Edwards | Judge: Mark Green | Judge: John Keane
~ BBBofC British light welterweight title ~
Harrison down in the first round.
Paul McCloskey vs: Colin Lynes – 5th December 2008
Dudey Weight: 138¾ lb
Lynes Weight: 139½lb
Location: Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham, Essex, United Kingdom
Referee: Mickey Vann
Judge: Richard James Davies | Judge: Mark Green | Judge: Victor Loughlin ~
~ vacant BBBofC British light welterweight title ~
Paul McCloskey Tickets, Paul McCloskey Boxing, Khan v McCloskey MEN Arena Manchester
