McCloskey to fight for title tomorrow night

Manager Francie McNicholl told the Sentinel earlier this week that negotiations were ongoing for the winner between the Dungiven southpaw and Mexican-American Manuel Perez to be awarded the WBA Inter-Continental title.

A spokesperson for Matchroom, the company promoting the fight, said: “There was a title boost for Paul McCloskey as his light welterweight clash with Manuel Perez will now be for the WBA Inter-Continental title, and McCloskey says he can see a route to a second World title shot at the end of this fight.”

Dudey himself said that he is “confident” going into the fight, due to take place on the undercard of Belfast boxer Carl Frampton’s bout tomorrow night against Canadian Steve Molitor: “I’m feeling sharp and energised and the carrot of a high ranking with the WBA is more than enough for me to give everything on Saturday night,” said McCloskey, 1-3 favourite with Betfair. “He’s a tough, durable guy and I know I won’t have to go looking for him but I am confident of getting the job done and in good style.”

McCloskey is due to fight at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast in a bumper night of boxing, with local middle-weight and Commonwealth Silver Medallist Eamon ‘King’ O’Kane also due to step into the ring with Germany-based Chris Mafuta.

The spectacular night of boxing will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Expect full coverage in this week’s Roe Valley Sentinel.