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Video here: http://www.u.tv/Sport/Crowds-welcome...f-635329e076eb
Thousands of people lined the streets of the Derry village on Monday evening to see their hero return to the village he calls home.
The tone of the crowd was clear:
"The whole town's behind Dudey. He was robbed out of that fight. Everybody likes Dudey and we'll back him to the hilt. We want a rematch."
McCloskey's bid to take the world light-welterweight title from Khan ended in controversy, with a stoppage in the sixth round at the MEN Arena on Saturday night.
The ringside doctor entered the ring after the clash of heads opened up an inch-long gash above McCloskey's eye, consulting with the referee before ending the bout - a decision which stunned the 31-year-old fighter and his team.
McCloskey's supporters - including a troop of cheerleaders chanting "Dudey from the 'given wants a rematch" - said they are behind him:
"We're showing support for local man. The turnout is unbelievable; I don't think you'd get this support in any other town."
"He's our hero, but he's still just ordinary Dudey from Dungiven and that's what everybody loves about him."Paul McCloskey supporter
Engulfed by the crowd, McCloskey said he was encouraged by their support:
"I was a bit down in the dumps, but looking round here does give me a lift. I've got unfinished business to look after very soon hopefully."
The chants of "rematch, rematch" rang through the streets of Dungiven and while the fighter said there was "no doubt" he could still be world champion, another chance against Khan was "unlikely":
"Amir Khan's gone down in my ratings big time. He started talking a lot of gibberish at the press conference after the event. He definitely went below the belt a few times."
The father-of-two's coach and father-in-law, Francie McNicholl was certain the weekend's events would not stop McCloskey:
"We'll keep knocking on doors.
"There's other fights out there possible, but we want a rematch."
Its brilliant that he has a lot of support but an inspiration? Really?
Thousands of people lined the streets of the Derry village on Monday evening to see their hero return to the village he calls home.
The tone of the crowd was clear:
"The whole town's behind Dudey. He was robbed out of that fight. Everybody likes Dudey and we'll back him to the hilt. We want a rematch."
McCloskey's bid to take the world light-welterweight title from Khan ended in controversy, with a stoppage in the sixth round at the MEN Arena on Saturday night.
The ringside doctor entered the ring after the clash of heads opened up an inch-long gash above McCloskey's eye, consulting with the referee before ending the bout - a decision which stunned the 31-year-old fighter and his team.
McCloskey's supporters - including a troop of cheerleaders chanting "Dudey from the 'given wants a rematch" - said they are behind him:
"We're showing support for local man. The turnout is unbelievable; I don't think you'd get this support in any other town."
"He's our hero, but he's still just ordinary Dudey from Dungiven and that's what everybody loves about him."Paul McCloskey supporter
Engulfed by the crowd, McCloskey said he was encouraged by their support:
"I was a bit down in the dumps, but looking round here does give me a lift. I've got unfinished business to look after very soon hopefully."
The chants of "rematch, rematch" rang through the streets of Dungiven and while the fighter said there was "no doubt" he could still be world champion, another chance against Khan was "unlikely":
"Amir Khan's gone down in my ratings big time. He started talking a lot of gibberish at the press conference after the event. He definitely went below the belt a few times."
The father-of-two's coach and father-in-law, Francie McNicholl was certain the weekend's events would not stop McCloskey:
"We'll keep knocking on doors.
"There's other fights out there possible, but we want a rematch."
Its brilliant that he has a lot of support but an inspiration? Really?
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