Wright out for McCloskey's unbeaten tag by British Boxing Jun 12th 2008

Reigning English champion Nigel Wright believes he can put an end to Paul McCloskey's unbeaten run when they clash in Limerick on July 19. McCloskey is coming off a career best win over former world champion Cesar Bazan but Wright is confident that he will be the first man to inflict a professional defeat on the Derryman at the University Sports Arena. Wright says that he knows plenty about McCloskey and will be coming to Limerick full of confidence. “I know Paul quite well from the amateurs,” revealed the 28-year-old Hartlepool native. “We sparred each other back then in London and he's a very nice lad. We would have bumped into each other at a lot of the International tournaments over the years and we always got on well but we'll have to put that aside next month.” Wright was a two-time English champion in the amateur ranks and he has gone on to repeat that feat in the professional game in compiling a record of 18 wins, three defeats and a draw. Having reigned as English champion for the past two years, Wright is keen to add the British title to his collection and believes a win over McCloskey would make him the leading contender for David Barnes Lonsdale belt. “I think either myself or Paul should be next in line for the British title, so our fight should really decide who's next up. Barnes is a decent fighter but I've spared him quite a bit as well and I'm confident I can beat him. “I don't want to put Paul down either because he's doing well in the pros and deserves the reputation he has but I'm 100% confident I'm going to win this. I wouldn't jeopardise a British title fight if I didn't think I could come to Ireland and beat Paul. This is the right fight for me and the right move in my career and I'm ready to do the job.” For his part it will be something of a novelty for McCloskey to come up against a British opponent again - his last six fights have seen him take on and defeat two Mexicans, an Argentinean, an Italian, a Pole and a Bulgarian. A win over Wright would see McCloskey continue his impressive rise through the British and European rankings and bring him a step closer to a shot at David Barnes or new European Champ Gianluca Branco. McCloskey though is refusing to look any further than July 19. “I'm on the countdown now to that fight and it's the only thing in my mind. It's five weeks from Saturday and Nigel Wright is the only guy in my sights right now. “I've got an awful lot of respect for him, he's a very good, solid fighter and a gentleman outside the ring but like Nigel says as soon as the bell goes that all goes out the window. We both have a job to do and this is another big night for me.” McCloskey is also happy to be back in Limerick the scene of his impressive win over Mexican dangerman Manuel Garnica in February. “I got a tremendous welcome from the fans in Limerick last time, it was almost like a home from home and I'm sure it will be just as good this time around. In fact I met a lot of people there last time that I hadn't met since my days in the amateur game. It was a real boxing crowd and they really love their sport there. “The only drawback is getting to Limerick from Derry - Nigel Wright will probably get there quicker than I will!” The bill will also feature rising Irish welterweights Stephen Haughian and John O'Donnell. Both suffered the first setbacks of their careers in 2007 but are determined to bounce back this year. Galway born O'Donnell tasted defeat for the first time as a pro when he was beaten on the Floyd Mayweather – Oscar De La Hoya undercard in Las Vegas but he recently got back to winning ways to improve his record to 16-1. Haughian also suffered the first defeat of his career in 2007 when he lost a desperately close decision to Italian Giammario Grassellini for the IBF Intercontinental title. The 23-year-old from Lurgan will face another Italian job in Limerick when he squares off with Giuseppe Langella over eight rounds. Another name familiar to Limerick fight fans on the undercard is Jason McKay. The County Down man put up a brave challenge against Lee when they met for the Irish super middleweight title last December. Now back down at middleweight McKay will look to press his claims for a Commonwealth title shot with an impressive win in Limerick. There will be a little extra local interest on the card as well with Limerick's second professional boxer, Jamie Power, also on the card. The former Irish Intermediate heavyweight champ made an impressive start to his pro career with a second round KO in April and he'll be looking to add to that in his hometown on July 19th. “I was at Andy's first fight in Limerick in February,” said the St. Francis clubman, “and the atmosphere was incredible. I left that night knowing that I had to have a go at the pro game and I'm delighted I did. I just can't wait now. It will be an incredible buzz walking out to that ring in my hometown." Tickets for the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night priced from €60 go on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets from 9am on Friday morning (June 13th).

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