McCloskey’s WBA World title dream still alive

By Jonny Stapleton

Paul McCloskey could challenge for the WBA light welterweight world title in Belfast in March despite conformation current champion Marcos Maidana has signed to fight Devon Alexander in America on February 25, according to manager Francie McNicholl.

Maidana previously told Mirror Sport he would like to challenge ‘Dudey’ but stressed promoters Matchroom didn’t have enough cash to tempt him across the Atlantic. It seems the Argentine has now agreed to defend his title against fellow Golden Boy fighter Devon Alexander, but there are rumours the pair will meet at welterweight and not light welter.

If Maidana signs to fight Alexander at welterweight he will have to vacate his title and the Dungiven southpaws representatives believe the are in poll position to challenge for the strap McCloskey couldn’t take from Amir Khan earlier this year.

The former British and European Champion would have to face one of the WBA top five for the vacated belt.

Despite the news McCloskey’s manager  didn’t want to rule out the possibility of a mega Maidana showdown although he did admit Team McCloskey have already started work on a number contingency plans.

“Maidana could still be an option. He wants the fight and it is Golden Boy who are not keen. There was a rumour Maidana was going to split with them and if that happened he would be back in the frame,” McNicholl told Mirror Sport.  “If Maidana does challenge Devon Alexander that is good news for us too. That leaves the WBA world title vacant and Paul is in pole position to challenge. We have already been in touch with the WBA. Paul’s fight with Prescott was a world title eliminator so he would then face one of the top five for that title.”

The Derry star, whose only career reverse came against Khan in Manchester earlier this year, has be linked with the massive Irish fight card set to take place in New York on March 17, but McNicholl revealed McCloskey’s next clash will be in the Odyssey Arena.

“Paul will fight in Belfast in March not America. We have the Odyssey Arena booked and plan a big show.”