THE BITTER MEMORY OF April’s controversial stoppage against Amir Khan still lingers, but Paul McCloskey is putting revenge on the back-burner in order to get his world title ambitions back on track.
The Dungiven man confirmed yesterday that he will return to the ring on 10 September when he faces Colombian light-welterweight Bredis Prescott – the man who sensationally KO’d Khan in September 2008.
And, although the autumn bout in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena is billed as a WBA light-welterweight title eliminator, McCloskey insists that a rematch against Khan ranks way down his list of priorities.
“Believe me I would love to fight Amir Khan again,” the 31-year-old southpaw said yesterday. “However, fighting Prescott is not about trying to get another fight with Amir Khan. This fight is about getting another shot at the world title.”
I don’t care if I fight King Kong or Mickey Mouse – I just want to fight for a world title.
McCloskey’s ambition was further fuelled by promoter Eddie Hearn who promised that a win for “Dudey” over Prescott would guarantee the Northerner a title shot in 2012.
“Paul is one win away from another crack at a world title,” Hearn told the assembled media at yesterday’s press conference. “Once we get through this fight, the opportunities are endless.”
I can 100% guarantee that if Paul wins on 10 September, he will be fighting for a world title.
Should McCloskey swerve a grudge match against Khan in the new year, undefeated WBC and WBO super-lightweight champion Timothy Bradley or IBF title-holder Zab Judah are the most likely alternatives.
