Lynes Replaces McCloskey, Faces M'Baye For EBU Title

By Terence Dooley

Colin Lynes has been handed a title lifeline.  The Londoner is stepping into Paul McCloskey's shoes, travelling to Paris to take on Souleymane M'Baye for the vacant EBU light-welterweight title on a few days notice.

Lynes was last seen losing to McCloskey via a ninth-round corner retirement last December.  Prior to that, Lynes had lost an EBU challenge to then-holder Gianluca Branco in Italy, a contentious points decision, coupled with negative tactics from Colin, prevented Lynes from bringing the title home.  Branco (ranked #3 by the EBU) turned down the M’Baye job, leaving the way clear for Colin.

Lynes now has another crack at the big time; a win over M'Baye would set up a return engagement with McCloskey, something that Lynes, a former British title holder, has been dreaming about.

At 31 Lynes needs to grab this opportunity with both hands.  M'Baye away is a big ask, with that said Souleymane is in a run of indifferent form himself.  It could be a 'loser retires' encounter over in France this Friday night.

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