'I fought for the title and I'll fight twice as hard to keep it' - McCloskey

And although his opponent has yet to be confirmed the 30-year-old says it's likely that Italian champ Giuseppe Lauri could be the man facing the silken-mitten southpaw in late May or early June.

"Everything still has to be confirmed but at this stage we're looking at a May, possibly June fight. I'm hoping that something will be confirmed possibly in March, then the 12 weeks of training can start," said McCloskey.

"The mandatory challenger at the minute is Giuseppe Lauri. He has a formidable record and I'm up to the challenge. I've fought for the title and I'll fight to keep it."

McCloskey certainly hasn't let any of his enthusiasm or drive slide since scooping the coveted light-welterweight title in November. With a break from his rigorous training regime since taking European glory, the Dungiven native says it will be 'all go' as soon as he receives official confirmation of the important bout.

McCloskey says: "It would be madness to be training at this stage without official word but as soon as that's received I'll be back into the full time 12 week training regime, two weeks at home and 10 in Belfast."

"At the moment I'm just keeping an eye on my weight. Many boxers let their weight creep up in the months after a big fight but I like to train to fight, not to drop the weight so that's why I intend staying in around the ten stone mark.

"I only gave myself two weeks off after the last fight, I like to keep myself busy but I also know the importance of getting the balance right."