McCloskey, undefeated in 16 fights, is the favourite to win in Limerick on Saturday, but says he confident and not complacent.

"Nigel is a fighter I know very well from the amateurs and the professionals," said the 28-year-old Ulsterman.

"He is a very good fighter and I've studied his last few bouts on video. He's a very solid southpaw.

"He's the kind of fighter I know I must be on top of my game to beat.
"If I am, I'm confident I can beat him.

"If I'm not on my game, then Nigel's a good boxer and he'll exploit that.

"But I've done all my preparations and a lot of sparring and I'm ready.
"I'm a boxer and an unorthodox southpaw, but if I have to roll up my sleeves and fight then I'm ready to do that."

McCloskey sees Wright as another step towards a serious championship contest.

"In the last 12 months I've pushed on," he said.

"I dealt with Cesar Bazan in my last bout very well and he's a former world champion.

"Before that I beat Manuel Garnica in the Limerick University Arena where I'll be fighting Nigel on Saturday.

"I'm mixing in good company and now we're in the process of looking for a British or European title shot.

"To that end, we're starting to fight top 10 boxers and my people put in an offer to Nigel and I'm glad he said yes.

"It'll be a great fight between two good boxers."

And McCloskey said there is no hint of animosity between two camps who know each other well.

"There is no need for any trash-talking," said the IBF international champion.

"We're both good fighters who want to move our careers on and this is the sort of contest we want."