Paul McCloskey aiming for a KO against Amir Khan

[Scottrf]

Decent punch and tricky stylistically, but not great in any area and too easy to hit. No major problems for Khan IMO once he adjusts, and as I don't think he can pressure Khan effectively enough he will be picked off with straight shots. Trick against Khan seems to be pressure, straight rights and uppercuts which is where Maidana had success and I don't think Paul has the footspeed or strength.

[oscar]

Our UK writers say McCloskey isn't half bad. I personally haven't seen his fights but what do you guys in the UK think of Paul?

i think mclosky has a very unorthodox style it may give khan problems early on trying to catch him, if mcclosky can frustrate him hes in with a chance , realisticly khan wins by ko around 4-5

[orbtastic]

Our UK writers say McCloskey isn't half bad. I personally haven't seen his fights but what do you guys in the UK think of Paul?

i think mclosky has a very unorthodox style it may give khan problems early on trying to catch him, if mcclosky can frustrate him hes in with a chance , realisticly khan wins by ko around 4-5

I'd be amazed if it's that early. I think Paul's style will cause Khan some problems but McCloskey can make things hard for himself at times but I think 4-5 rounds is being harsh on him.

[Scottrf]

Can see it being fairly similar to the Malignaggi fight stylistically.

[orbtastic]

My thoughts exactly.

[hurlock]

mcloskeys chin will be tested first, guaranteed.

im looking fwd to seeing khan nail him all over the shop :!: he's wide open.

[slapbangwhallop]

Our UK writers say McCloskey isn't half bad. I personally haven't seen his fights but what do you guys in the UK think of Paul?

If your UK writers dont think he is "half bad" why didnt you get them to write an article about him instead of lifting your whole article from an Irish boxing website?

[Chambers2]

Anyone who fights Amir is going to be aiming for the KO. His chin isn't the greatest (not as bad as first thought though) and he's probably got the quickest hands in the sport, it'd be foolish to try and out box him

[Deno1986]

Our UK writers say McCloskey isn't half bad. I personally haven't seen his fights but what do you guys in the UK think of Paul?

If your UK writers dont think he is "half bad" why didnt you get them to write an article about him instead of lifting your whole article from an Irish boxing website?

I was thinking it looked a bit familiar.

[Camcas]

McCloskey won't last four rounds i doubt he will land a meaningful punch either

[bennie]

The Lord scoffs at those who make plans - but one more win - and Britain's Amir Khan gets it on with top American Tim Bradley in the summer in a cracking unification showdown for Khan's WBA light-welterweight belt and the WBC and WBO belts held proudly by Bradley.
Conveniently, Khan comes off a career-best performance against monster Argentine puncher Marcos Maidana which will have brought him on as a fighter. It is easy to forget that Khan, who took a close but unanimous decision over Maidana in Las Vegas in December, lost inside a minute to a Colombian not too long ago, on a night when he looked horribly fragile - indeed, when he looked absolutely finished at top-flight. However, Khan dusted himself down and showed real grit and fire against the tasty Maidana to prove his chin, his desire, his mental strength and his immense improvement since linking up with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach last year out of Freddie's Hollywood gym in Los Angeles, where the sparring is 'hot'.
Bolton boy Khan, still only 24, has now won his last six fights since that quick defeat in 2008, but the muscular Bradley is unbeaten and proved his own ability, his own fearlessness, when travelling to fortress Nottingham in 2008 to dethrone Junior Witter on a well-deserved split decision at a time when Witter was too good for his own good (certainly for Team Hatton). Bradley dropped Witter in the process and has proved a real fighting champion, turning back the previously unbeaten trio of Devon Alexander, Lamont Peterson and Luis Abregu while also denying Kendall Holt and Edner Cherry - all good men, and Holt had him down.
Based in Palm Springs in California, the 27-year-old Bradley, a stocky, unimposing figure, is surprisingly quick and clever. He looked made for the tricky, counterpunching Witter but got in and out with sharp two-fisted shots and maintained a hot pace. Khan is also used to outspeeding opponents and likes to target the body, both of which may prove difficult against Bradley, although Khan chopped down Maidana in the first round with body shots and then stayed with him right to the final bell.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Khan has to deal with Paul McCloskey firstly, a strong, slippery Irish southpaw whom he faces on April 16 in Manchester. McCloskey is unbeaten and ambitious but Khan looks too fast for him, too seasoned at world level. The same cannot be said of the dangerous Bradley.

[THEBUTCH]

Khan's speed is light years ahead of McCloskey.

McCloskey is a tricky, clever counter puncher but I can't see him upsetting Khan, more a question of "how" Amir beats him rather than "if".

[slapbangwhallop]

McCloskey to make amends for dashed Manchester dreams on Hatton bill

http://boxing-ireland.com/20110325_paul ... ted_2.html

[NazNaci1]

McCloskey is a tricky fighter. Has a decent bang and is unbeaten.

As a counter puncher.....he will cause Khan problems. Can't see him winning, ultimately, but it is not going to be easy.

[Broc]

It will be an interesting fight and one that Khan has to be favoured to win, but McCloskey is very awkward. Its one that could turn out badly for Khan if McCloskey has any success early.

McCloskey is a very tricky boxer who studies opponents and will be up for this one. He may have seen a weakness in Khans style that he can work on.

I respect McCloskey as a fighter, he works hard in the gym and uses is an intelligent fighter.

Khan however is one fast fighter and as they say, speed kills. I have to go for Khan in this one because of his firepower. I hope McCloskey pulls it off though.

[Captain Hook]

My thoughts exactly.

...and mine.

Wide points victory for Khan. He does everything better than McCloskey, but the underdog will make things dificult for him at times, he's no mug.

[ApolloCreed]

bennie actually gives McCloskey so little chance that he more or less previewed Khan's next fight! Staggering.
I'd love if Dudey flattened him. Fair enough, Khan stood up to Maidana but he's still regarded as quite chinny until he proves it again. It could've been a one-off, maybe the Argie wasn't firing on all cylinders, maybe he was - who knows?
Judgement on Khan's chin will be reserved.

[Happy Slapper]

I have a funny feeling its going to be a blowout.

Khan KO 1.

[forcefraser]

This fight has got premature stoppage written all over it. I certainly hope not, but we have see it time and time again in British rings.

Look at the hammering Khan took in the 10th against Maidana, the mauling from Limond and the knockdown against Prescott. If khan had any of his opponents in that sort of trouble in a British ring, the ref would have been in like weasel`s turd off a hot shovel.

Let`s hope McCloskey gets a fair crack.

[palooka]

I have a funny feeling its going to be a blowout.

Khan KO 1.

My thoughts exactly ; Khan is the fastest light welter in the world and Paul is right on track for the straight right. The jump from Euro to World level is a gulf in class (re: Casey v Rigondeaux); speed kills and when it doesn't it maims. Paul has done the right thing; those chances don't knock twice; he will probably finish on his feet but I reckon he'll be overwhelmed, dropped once or twice etc.

[ShadrachSimmo]

I wouldn't be suprised if it ends quickly either but let's hope not. Look at the struggle McCloskey had with Lauri? I know him and Khan and totally different fighters Lauri is a total spoiler. Be interesting to see what tactics McCloskey employs cos he can be easy to hit. Best o luck tae him.

[palooka]

Yeah; fair play to him. He got the bout offered and took it. There's a difference though between one of the best in Europe and being in the top 2 in the world at the weight. Khan gets better; can you imagine Maidana v McCloskey?

Salita v McCloskey would be some fight; (no disrespect to Paul who is a very capable boxer); it is about levels.

[DIRT SUGAR]

Well Khan wants to watch it on the break and offer no touch of gloves for a starter. If an ageing Lauri can make McCloskey struggle and look ordinary what's Khan going to do? I mean, he's just beaten one of the hardest punching, most unorthodox fighters out there in Maidana and Roach won't let him get complacement now.

[slapbangwhallop]

Is it me or is Paul 'Dude' McCloskey looking stronger then I have ever seen him before?

That 10/1 that Boylesports are offering seems almost as generous as the Evens obtained for a Rigo win.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2I5aVdfC5w

[Hagler2002]

McCloskey won't last four rounds i doubt he will land a meaningful punch either

What an utter pile of shite! McCloskey is a legitimate opponent and with John Breen in his corner will have a game plan.

If anyone gets stopped early I'd go with Khan getting caught cold.