McCloskey wins Euro title

Ulsterman extends unbeaten record to 20 with stoppage win

Last updated: 7th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Northern Ireland's Paul McCloskey retained his unbeaten record and picked up the vacant European light-welterweight title with victory over Daniel Rasilla on Friday night.

The 30-year-old took his record to 20-0 as he added the belt to the British title he won against Colin Lynes almost 12 months ago.

The southpaw found it difficult to find a way past the cagey Spaniard, but caught up with him in the ninth round as a right hook sent his opponent to the canvas.

Rasilla beat the count but a flurry of punches followed and left cross left him in no position to continue.

"It was not my best performance, but I had to adapt," McCloskey told Sky Sports. "I was training to fight Soulamain M'Baye and it took me a while to get into it.

"But when I started hitting him with some good shots he started backing off all the time, and he made it hard for me.

"I didn't get hurt and got away and got my own shots off. He was cagey and didn't really engage in the fight.

"I've done better performances but I'm European champion. I'm delighted."

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