McCloskey ordered to face Lauri in rematch

Belfast's European light-welterweight champion Paul McCloskey has been ordered to face Giuseppe Lauri in a rematch for his title.

The Italian was stopped in the eleventh round of a challenge at King's Hall last month.

Lauri's team, as reported recently by BoxRec News, were likely to make a case for another tilt as the drug testing team apparently didn't show so no post-fight tests were carried out.

Strengthening the Italian's case is the fact is was a very competitive tussle up until the conclusion and Lauri also complained that he was gesturing to touch gloves when caught by the unbeaten Dungiven man’s right hand.

McCloskey, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, said, “I don’t go in there to hug, kiss or touch gloves. You’re meant to protect yourself at all times.”

McCloskey’s coach John Breen is certainly a 'glass half full' man on this occasion. 

“I don’t mind that he has to face Lauri again because this time he will do a much better job — we’ll see the real Paul McCloskey.

“Paul knows that he allowed himself to be dragged into a fight but this time I expect him to box the head off him.

“I don’t see why there should be a rematch because Paul knocked him out but it’s not a problem.”

McCloskey is currently ranked seven in the world by the WBC.

Veteran coach Breen observed, “I think with one or two more European title defences Paul should then be fighting for a world title. It could even come sooner because he’s certainly ready to box for a world title.”

Purse bids for the rematch must be in by September 11 and Matchroom is expected to bid to stage the fight once more.