McCloskey set for Morrison defence
13 February 2009 – By Cormac Campbell
Paul McCloskey will have to travel to England to make the first defence of his British light-welterweight crown, against Scotsman Barry Morrison on March 13.
The Dungiven native had been hoping to secure a Kings Hall date for the clash, but paymasters Sky TV have opted for England with the Everton Park Leisure Centre in Liverpool among the front-runners. The decision appears to have been one of logistics with the broadcaster also working on Amir Khans clash with Marco Antonio Barrera the following night in nearby Manchester.
The John Breen-trained stylist told irish-boxing.com that whilst he would have preferred if the bout took place on home soil, defending his title is more important.
I dont mind. Obviously it would have been nice for my local supporters who cant travel over to see me. But I cant wait to defend my title,” McCloskey stated.
McCloskeys fight against former champion Morrison will headline a bill which also features British featherweight champion Paul Appleby in an eight-round warm up bout for his April 25 clash with Martin Lindsay at the Ulster Hall.