McCloskey Optimistic About Fighting Amir Khan in April

By Mark Vester

European junior welterweight champion Paul McCloskey is still optimistic that a deal will reached for a fight with WBA champion Amir Khan on April 16 in Manchester. Talks fell apart a few days ago after McCloskey's promoter, Barry Hearn, called Khan's initial offer "a joke." They sides have since continued to negotiate the financial terms, although other names are also being considered to fight Khan.

"At the minute, we're still in talks - which is a positive thing, considering there have been stumbling blocks," McCloskey said to UTV Sport. "I've been calling Amir out for a long time," he said. He's the big name out there, he's the big draw, he's the big star on the world scene of boxing ... So that's who I want to fight."

"Anybody who has seen me box knows what I can do. Amir is obviously top of the tree at the minute - but at the top of the tree, you're there to be knocked off."