Judah happy to face McCloskey
7 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Current IBF light welterweight belt holder Zab Judah is the latest world champion to declare he is interested in a fight with Paul McCloskey.
Like WBA interim champ and former Amir Khan foe, Marcus Maidana, the former undisputed welterweight champion of the world claims he would clash with the former British and European champion. Like the Argentinean the five time world champion, who has six negatives on his record, did specify the price would have to be right, but highlighted the Dungiven stylist as a viable opponent. Judah, who has fought and lost to both Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jnr, also echoed Maidanas views that McCloskeys world title tilt in Manchester last month was stopped too soon.
Speaking to www.irish-boxing.com the 33 year old said, I watched the Amir Khan Paul McCloskey fight with interest. It was a good and interesting fight before the stoppage, which I thought was premature. I would be open to fighting anyone that makes business sense. That includes Paul McCloskey he is viable opponent he was unlucky against Khan. I would be open to fighting in Ireland and travelling there too.
McCloskey’s trainer John Breen isnt surprised his star pupil is now in the thoughts of the fighters at the top of light welterweight class.
The Belfast boxing brain, who revealed McCloskey told him Khan was punching like a girl after five rounds in the MEN, believes the Derry pugilists display against the Bolton fighter has got him the world wide recognition he deserves.
Paul made Khan look like an amateur on the night and people seen his skills. Ok, he didnt win many of the early rounds but he was ready to let loose only for I told him to hold back. He told me Khan was punching like a girl when he sat down after round five. We would have stopped Khan if that fight continued, Breen told www.irish-boxing.com before commenting on McCloskeys new found fame.
I am not surprised fighters at the top level are interested in fighting Paul. His status and profile have risen dramatically since he fought Khan. Zab isnt the greatest ticket seller in America so that could be the easier fighter to make and to get in over here. Maidana could be harder to make, but I would prefer to fight him. I think he is tailor made for Paul. McCloskey makes Maidana look stupid in my book.
