By Pawel Pronishev

After studying tapes of Colombian banger Breidis Prescott (24-2, 19KOs), Irish junior welterweight Paul McCloskey (22-1, 12KOs) feels the hard hitter is starting to incorporate more boxing in his ring game. McCloskey faces Prescott in a WBA final eliminator on September 10 at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, with the winner landing a shot at "regular" champion Marcos Maidana.

“I have been watching him in his recent fights and he seems to be boxing a wee bit more. He has always been a fast starter, but he is a very strong and fit guy and he can go the distance. He is a tough hombre, but I believe I have the tools to win this fight - but I have to not get involved in a war - if I can help it," McCloskey told News Letter.

Prescott has a very good chin and his only two defeats are to Kevin Mitchell and tricky lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez. McCloskey expects a very confident and dangerous opponent because of the high stakes that are involved for the both of them.

“He is very strong and he can bang. He is also tough and has not been stopped, so this will be a tough, tough fight for me. he is also on a wee bit of a run since he lost the fights to Miguel Vasquez and Kevin Mitchell, so he will be dangerous,” McCloskey added.

“Prescott will also see this as his chance to get another shot at a world title, so he will be up for this one. I always treat every fight as a world title fight and I have done that from day one, but if I win this one I will get another chance to fight for a world title.