Derry boxer McCloskey takes his chance

Boxing : Derry boxer Paul McCloskey was crowned the new British light-welterweight champion after he beat Colin Lynes in Essex…

Boxing: Derry boxer Paul McCloskey was crowned the new British light-welterweight champion after he beat Colin Lynes in Essex, England and maintained his 100 per cent record.

Dungiven-based southpaw McCloskey, who was standing in for former title-holder David Barnes, forced Lynes to retire at the end of the ninth round.

The 29-year-old McCloskey had won his 17 previous fights and maintained his unbeaten record to take the belt, having originally been in training for a bout on the under card.

Lynes is a former British and European champion and had claimed 31 victories from 35 fights prior to last night's defeat at Goresbrook Leisure Centre.