McCloskey steps up
30 March 2008 – by Cormac Campbell
Dungiven light-welterweight Paul McCloskey is now eyeing up a crack at European Champion Colin Lynes after a flawless points victory over Cesar Bazan in Letterkenny.
The Mexican, former WBC lightweight champion, looked bamboozled throughout the 10 round contest as the John Breen trained southpaw peppered him with accurate and unorthodox shots to head and body.
McCloskey also showed a new dimension to his game, when electing to take a break, managed to push his dangerous opponent back towards the ropes with an aggressive defensive style.
Bazan, who has mixed it with the likes of Stevie Johnson, Jose Luis Castillo and Miguel Cotto for his part threatened at times, particularly with a heavy right hand that left some marks on McCloskeys face.
But in truth, it was the home fighter, making his debut as a top of the bill attraction who was in complete control. Extending his unbeaten record to 16-0, possibilities are opening up for the former amateur star.
In the end, such was McCloskeys domination, Bazan could feel fortunate to have even picked up a share of a round in a 100-91 scorecard.
On the undercard there were victories for Neil Sinclair, Andrew Murray, Luke Wilton and Ciaran Healy.
After the event, Promoter Brian Peters said he was keen to return to the North West for future promotions.
It is a great venue, which was recently built from scratch and there was a great response from the fans, he said.
In Dublin sometimes you are just another event, but when you bring something here or when we brought Andy Lee to Limerick, the public really get behind it.
