'There will be no rematch'-Breen

On Monday the British Boxing Board of Control said they were launching a probe into why there was no drug testing following McCloskey's successful defence of the European light-welterweight title. Former world champion Breen said he was told on Friday night that the unit had not turned up to complete mandatory drug testing, despite being requested by the board's head office. But the professional trainer dismissed suggestions of a rematch stating - "more the fool Lauri".

"If he does ask for a rematch, well Paul will make him look stupid." Breen told the Sentinel, "We were told on Friday night the man appointed to do the testing didn't turn up, that's not our fault."

The Dungiven southpaw lived up to his silken-mitted reputation after knocking out the Italian with an impressive right hook in the 11th round. Although retaining the belt, the self-critical boxer admitted he was not at his best during the bout and even apologised to trainer Breen at the ringside.

"He didn't impress me on Friday night, " says Breen, "That wasn't Paul McCloskey in the ring and he has even said that himself."

"At the weigh in Lauri head-butted him and Paul didn't rise to the occasion. But it riled him and he took that into the ring. Paul's a boxer but he wasn't fighting his own fight that night, he was fighting Lauri's."

Breen maintains that even if the stoppage hadn't have happened the Dungiven pro would have still won the headliner on points.

"Yes it was tight. Lauri is the best opponent that Paul has fought so far but he was still going to win on points. Paul had a couple of points knocked off because he fell into Lauri's trap."

"I would say during that one fight Paul got hit more times than throughout his whole professional career and it shouldn't have been like that. But after a holiday we are going to sit down and watch the fight back as many times as it takes so he can learn from his mistakes, then it'll be back into the ring."

Almost 6,000 fans packed the Kings Hall on Friday night to see McCloskey's defence over Lauri. The pro produced a superb punch early in the 11th round to floor Lauri. Speaking after the bout McCloskey said: "I'm happy with the result but I am not happy with my performance - it was poor by my standards, but I landed the shot I needed at the end." The 30-year-old from County Londonderry has now won all 21 of his professional fights. There are now hopes for a second title defence match to be held in September.