By Jonny Stapleton

Paul McCloskey descended on the Giant Causeway yesterday and declared he will take a giant step toward a world title shot with victory over former World champion Demarcus Corley in Belfast next week.
‘Dudey’ and the Irish Prizefighter eight visited the Co. Antrim landmark for a Sky Sports shoot.And the former European champion stressed that unlike legendary Irish warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who is said to have built world heritage site in a bid to get to a fight in Scotland, he will get an opportunity to trade leather with the biggest names in his weight class.

The Derry fighter has struggled to tempt any of the belt owning light welterweights to Belfast over the last seven months. The John Breen trained stylist admits former WBO lightweight champion ‘Chop Chop’ isn’t quite the scalp he wanted, but as a name in a America Corley can help raise the southpaw’s Stateside profile.

“This fight is a positive stepping stone. Hopefully it will lead to a world title fight. We wanted this one to be for a title, but that didn’t happen. I am in line and I know I am very close. I have put a lot of work in and I am ready for it. A win pushes me even closer,” McCloskey told Mirror Sport.

“Unfortunately he is not our first choice. We went after a lot of big names and that is well documented. We wanted a notable name but none of them wanted to come to fight me in Belfast. I suppose I have to look at that as a compliment. I couldn’t wait around I need to keep busy. I am not paid to sit at home and watch TV I am paid to fight.”

McCloskey and the Irish Prizefighter 8

Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah, Amir Khan and Tomothy Bradley amongst others rebuffed McCloskey’s advances since he defeat Bredis Prescott in a WBA world title eliminator last September.

However  news that four weight six time world champ Juan Manuel Marquez has targeted a clash with the Dungiven southpaw has cured McCloskey’s disappointment somewhat.

Marquez wants a southpaw to ready him for another potential rematch with Manny Pacqiuoa, but a delighted McCloskey claims he is confident he could beat the Mexican legend.

“It was amazing. It is not hype there has been genuine contact. Bob Arum has mentioned me as a target. They want me because I am southpaw and they are lining up a fight with Manny. Marquez is a legend and a brilliant fighter, but he is not unbeatable. You see how Mayweather gave him so much trouble. So if anyone can get the job done against him it is a guy with a style like mine.”