By Phil D. Jay
Light-welterweight contender Paul ‘Dudey’ McCloskey is focusing his attention on dismantling Breidis Prescott in their WBA eliminator on September 10th in Belfast, before turning his attention toward a world title shot towards the end of 2011.
The 32 year-old is on the back of his first career defeat in 22 bouts, losing in six rounds to the now unified champion Amir Khan and believes if he comes through the Colombian next month, a return against the Bolton fighter is unlikely.
“I am fighting Prescott as it propels me up the world title ladder,” McCloskey told WBN.
“I would love the rematch with Khan but I doubt that he would take the risk again.
“The Khan that faced Prescott was way different than the one I faced. I made him look very amateurish at times and didn't get a chance to finish job.
“I want to be world champion and I don't care who I have to fight to get there. If it's Khan that's all the sweeter but I will fight anyone.”
The former EBU belt holder has had verbal agreement with Argentinian Marcos Maidana in the past and if ‘Chino’ picks up the WBA ‘regular’ title next month, McCloskey could be in line to challenge the hard-punching South American, who took Khan to a close decision last year.
“Maidana's team already confirmed they are interested in a fight,” explained the Irishman.
Tickets for Paul McCloskey vs. Breidis Prescott plus a full championship undercard led by Carl Frampton vs. Kiko Martinez are on sale now priced at £30-£200 (tickets may be subject to service charge) and available from the Odyssey Arena Box Office on 02890 73 9074, Ticketmaster 0844 277 4455 (24 hour).
Tickets are also available in person from the Odyssey Arena Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, and online from www.ticketmaster.ie.
Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net