Paul McCloskey Moves On, Eyes April WBC Title Eliminator

By Mark Vester

According to a report in the Belfast Telegraph, European light welterweight champion Paul McCloskey is being lined up for a world title eliminator at the King’s Hall in April. Promoter Barry Hearn is going to make the necessary moves after his negotiations to make a fight with Amir Khan fell apart on Thursday. Hearn was trying to put the finishing touches on a deal where McCloskey would challenge Khan for the WBA 140-pound title on April 16 at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

After receiving a low offer for his boxer, Hearn had suggested a deal where McCloskey might be able to bulk up his purse. Hearn wanted a percentage on pay-per-view buys in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as an increased percentage on tickets the European champion would have sold. Khan's management wasn't interested.

Now Hearn will try to position his boxer for a WBC title shot.

"He’s ranked four so that is not out of the question and should Alexander win then we’ll look at getting Paul into an eliminator. And of course if he won the WBC title then a fight with Khan is so much bigger,” Hearn said.