Dungiven boxer is squaring up to complete Italian job

An undefeated record, a British title; now the time has come for light welterweight boxing champion Paul McCloskey to defend his European status. On June 11 the Dungiven southpaw will headline the Kings Hall in a title defence match against Italian Gisueppe Lauri. The Sentinel gained access to the home grown champ's training camp, where he talks pressure, local support and his intentions on keeping the European belt on home soil.

"The word pressure I don't even think about. It's a word that doesn't mean anything to me. All I think about is winning."

If there's one thing certain about light-welterweight boxing champion Paul McCloskey, it's that he is focused. Last week as the 30-year-old prepared for his title defence showdown with Gisueppe Lauri in just over a week's time, the words 'under pressure' weren't even close to the Dungiven boxer's mind.

"Pressure, if you let it get to you, it'll affect you I'm sure. But again I have good support around me, good friends, good family and everyone is behind me 100 per cent. So that takes the pressure off me and to think there will be a hall full of 6,000 people as well - that just spars me on."

And it's clear that the boxer, also known as 'Dudey', has more than his fair share of support. Standing at the sidelines of John Breen's boxing ring was promoter Brian Peters, father-in-law Francie McNicholl and sponsor Michael Faulkner.

"Amir Khan, Devon Alexander, Paul is right up there," said promoter Brian Peters, "Outside of the world champions he is no doubt the best."

"You have a fella here who needs a bit more seasoning and hasn't got that many fights yet to move up to that class, a couple of more defences and he'll be ready for the best of them."

"I think there's always pressure at this level of boxing," added father-in-law Francie, "There's no easy shots at European standard."

"But Paul is very well prepared and feels confident in himself. He has great support, a great family who are all behind him. Everyone is behind him."

McCloskey's trainer John Breen is certainly holding no punches when it comes to preparing his current star player for the bout. The former world champion, who is responsible for training a host of european and world boxing champs, has even drafted in former competitor and IBO champion Colin Lynes to prepare McCloskey for the headliner. The Dungiven boxer relieved Lynes of his British title in 2008 and the Londoner has also enjoyed a stint as European Champion. The former opponent, who admits he himself "wasn't at his best" when McCloskey took the British belt, is confident the southpaw will not only beat Lauri, but go even further.

Colin said: "Paul does what he does very well with his elusive skills and if he keeps that going there's no reason why Lauri would be a problem."

"If he gets rid of Lauri, he'll be up there with the others."

With expectations high on the forthcoming bout, McCloskey admits the fight will be a test, but thoughts of Lauri won't be completely overtaking the 30-year-old's preparation time.

McCloskey adds: "To me every fight's a test -no matter who you are fighting. You can't under-estimate or over-estimate anybody. All you can do is be yourself and prepare as hard as you can," said McCloskey.

"I'm studying Lauri and what he does. I know what he does and what way he fights but I'm focusing on what I do and I know if I go in there knowing what I can achieve I'll do the job."

Promoter Brian Peters adds: "Lauri knows if he can beat Paul McCloskey he will get a world title shot. This fella in himself has great experience, is very clever and very cute. It's going to be one hell of a night."

Win tickets to the fight!

The Sentinel is offering fight fans the chance to win tickets to see Dungiven's European Champion, Paul McCloskey, defend his title for the first time in Belfast on June 11.

This mandatory defence against Italian challenger Giuseppe Lauri will see the County Londonderry light welterweight take a step closer to that coveted world title shot if he is successful.

McCloskey turned professional in March 2005 on the under card of a bill that included Eamon Magee and Neil Sinclair at the King's Hall, Belfast. In his debut McCloskey defeated experienced Englishman "Dangerous" David Kehoe with a third round knockout.

In December 2007 he won the IBF International light-welterweight title, stopping Tontcho Tontchev in round 4.After beating Nigel Wright on points in July 2008, he fought Colin Lynes on 5 December 2008 for the vacant British light-welterweight title. McCloskey won, forcing Lynes to retire after the 9th round.

Following his British title victory, McCloskey was named Boxer of the Year at the Irish-boxing.com National Boxing Awards in January 2009.

On Friday March 13, 2010, Paul McCloskey retained his British light-welterweight title in emphatic fashion with a fourth-round stoppage of Dean Harrison in Widnes.

Paul McCloskey won the vacant European light welterweight title on November 6, 2009 when he defeated Spanish boxer Daniel Rasilla after original opponent and champion Mbaye withdrew due to injury.

Now six Sentinel readers can avail of the chance to Paul McCloskey fight for free on June 11. All we want you to do is answer the following question-At which famous Belfast venue will McCloskey defend his title?

Post your answers to the Roe Valley Sentinel, 32a market Street, Limavady.The closing date is June 4.