Khan overlooking McCloskey?

1 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Amir Khan is in serious danger of overlooking and underestimating the latest challenger to his WBA light-welterweight crown, Paul McCloskey.

Team Khan have spent weeks hyping the undefeated European champion as a worthy adversary for boxings latest sensation to the British and American public. But if actions speak louder than words Khans suggest that, despite playing up the Derry stylist’s chances, he truly foresees a routine home victory in his homecoming bout on April 19.

Amazingly the Golden Boy promoted puncher has already begun talks with Timothy Bradely regarding a massive light-welterweight unification title bout. In fact the Bolton star has already agreed a deal in principle to fight the WBC and WBO champ on July 23 according to Gary Shaw, Alexanders promoter.

Shaw admitted he and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, who represents Khan, have a deal in place. Whilst such talks might appear disrespectful to the skilful European Champion, Team McCloskey will take solace in fact team Khan are underestimating his obvious talent. It also means that if McCloskey emerges victorious from the mouth watering MEN arena English-Irish clash he can take a major step towards a 140-pound summit meeting and replace Khan as Bradleys challenger.

My next goal is to unify the division and beat Bradley. I am happy to fight him in America. I definitely want that fight in the summertime, hes the guy I want, Khan admitted recently and it seems if he wins he could get his wish.

I had a good meeting with Gary and had conversations with the Khans. Amir has a fight ahead of him. But my belief is that based on the conversations I had with Gary and the Khans, we are going to strike a deal re a fight with Bradely, Schaefer of Golden Boy said.