DUNGIVEN boxer Paul McCloskey says he is "gutted" as he misses his European title shot on Friday night through injury.
The decision was made at the weekend after an old injury flared up and was not responding to treatment. It was a tough call for the team but, although he is disappointed, Paul is already looking forward to a crack at the European Light Welterweight t
itle in the near future.
Speaking to Sentinel Sport Paul said: "I am totally gutted but I had to stand by. I hurt it last week and I was keeping quiet about it to see how it would respond to treatment. In the end it was just too big a gamble to take in such an important fight.
"I talked it over with my trainer and the rest of the team and we decided there was just too much at stake. It's a real kick in the teeth for me but there is no doubt in my mind that I will get back into it."
M'baye will now still fight for the vacant European title at the weekend against a top 10 challenger and McCloskey is hoping to get first crack at the winner later in the year.
"We'll have to wait and see who comes through at the weekend. I'm very confident that when my chance eventually does come around I'll win that European title and that will open some big doors for me but in this game you can't go into major fights like this without being 100 per cent fit."
Paul believes he will still retain his ranking and that he will soon be back in contention, fighting for the European crown.
McCloskey added: "This was the biggest fight of my life.
"It is an old injury and it will respond to treatment but it just went last week.
" When you are training for a fight like this you put your body through a lot and injuries do happen. I am just gutted.
"I am still focussed. I am ready to win the title and I am still focussed on that goal. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible."
No doubt there has been massive disappointment but there is a ray of light in Paul's life at the minute that keeps him smiling. and that is helping him to put everything in perspective.
Two weeks ago Paul's second son, Oran, was born. Paul said: "My wife and my new son are both well.
"Every time I come home, no matter what has happened that day, I just look at him and there is a big smile on my face. He just puts everything into perspective."
