By Alex Sromek: WBA World Light Welterweight Champion Amir Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) meets European Welterweight Champion Paul McCloskey (22-0, 12 KO’s) on April 16 at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England, in what many people view as an easy fight for ‘King Khan’.

Paul ‘Dudey’ McCloskey is looking to upset the odds and take the WBA title back to Ireland with him in the biggest fight of his career. Despite this scheduled bout, you would be forgiven for thinking that Khan’s next fight would be against WBC/WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11 KO’s). The back and forth war of words between Khan and Bradley has somewhat eclipsed the upcoming clash with many stories instead focusing on the proposed July 23rd Showdown with Bradley.

Khan had better be careful by not over looking McCloskey and taking the Dungiven man lightly. One example that I am reminded of is when Bradley fought the then WBC Light Welterweight Champion, Junior Witter in 2008. Bradley was a relatively unknown fighter going in to the bout. Yet throughout the build up to the fight all Witter could do was talk about a potentially lucrative and long sought after matchup with Ricky Hatton.

Bradley took Witter by surprise and despite a cagey start earned a split decision victory, even scoring a 6th round knockdown against Witter who was outworked and frustrated during the final rounds. I distinctly remember the post fight interview wherein Bradley accused Witter of being too focussed on a Hatton fight too see the real danger in front of him. The loss killed off any realistic talk of a Hatton showdown.

I am in no way comparing the fighters, nor am I comparing the potential fallout should McCloskey pull off the upset. Witter is no Amir Khan and McCloskey is simply unproven at this level. Yet I am pointing out that this is a situation where a talented fighter has it all to lose and another talented fighter has it all to win. It serves as a warning to all fighters who have an eye on future big money showdowns – never overlook the fighter in front of you.

Khan is an excellent fighter who still displays some vulnerabilities yet McCloskey will be coming to fight and show the world that he is not to be underestimated. The MEN will be full of McCloskeys’ loyal ‘Dudey army’ supporters and if Khan is not focused 100% on this fight then he will be in for a difficult night. McCloskey is undefeated and dangerous. Regardless of what people think of the matchup I for one believe it will be an exciting battle.