Boxer Barry Morrison aims to take European Light Welterweight title

Aug 26 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

MOTHERWELL boxer Barry Morrison faces the biggest test of his career when he attempts to take the European Light Welterweight title from Ireland’s Paul McCloskey in October.

Barry (30) will be up against a vocal home crowd cheering on favourite McCloskey in the Hunky Dory's Fight Night at the Aura in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland, on Saturday, October 2.

The unbeaten Dungiven southpaw – currently rated fourth in the world by the WBC – will return to the scene of his victory over former world champion Cesar Bazan in 2008, and will be looking for a shot at the world’s elite with a win over Bellshill-born Morrison.

But promoter Tommy Gilmour is confident his man can cause a major upset as he rebuilds his career following last September’s British Championship defeat by Lenny Dawes.

Morrison suffered a blood disorder that kept him out of the ring for months, and the thought of quitting was very much on his mind.

Gilmour said: “Barry needs to go to the end of the world and a wee bit beyond, because he needs to take the championship away from the champion, but he has the ability.

“McCloskey will be favourite, but it’s not a situation where Barry has no chance and everybody will know that.

“Barry is capable of putting in heavy ammunition and turning the fight over.

“He’s going to be in a situation where the crowd is against him but the intimidation is only on your way to the ring – then it’s you and him.

“Barry knows what he has to do and we know what McCloskey is capable of – it’s going to go down to who wants it more.

“This is huge; this could be Barry’s biggest fight ever, because it gives him an opportunity to show that he can compete and move into the next level.”

Morrison has won 18 of his 22 professional fights to date, but Gilmour warned McCloskey not to read too much into last year’s British title defeat to Lenny Dawes.

“Barry was a wee shade unfortunate not to tin the British title due to a blood disorder,” explained Tommy.

“He was doing well and the engine just packed in. We knew something wasn’t right, but that’s been sorted out now and he’s back to his best.”

Gilmour also revealed that Morrison will have extra incentive to wrest the belt from McCloskey, as he wants to dedicate the title win to trainer Archie McKay, who passed away in May following a battle with cancer.

Gilmour said: “Barry beat Billy Smith in July but it was the first time he didn’t have Archie in his corner and that badly affected him.

“I don’t like to dedicate a win to somebody, but Barry would love to win the title to add to Archie’s memory.

“They were almost like father and son, and we would all like to win a championship, but I think Barry would especially like to pay tribute to the man who did the groundwork and brought the talent out of him.”