Motherwell’s Barry Morrison has been handed a career lifeline when he challenges Paul McCloskey for the European (EBU) light welterweight title. The 30-year-old is in for a tough night at The Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny, County Donegal, on October 2 against the unbeaten southpaw but is confident he can emerge back on top.

Morrison’s career looked to be on a downward trajectory having lost three of his last seven fights but manager Tommy Gilmour has secured this shot at McCloskey’s title and Morrison isn’t about to let the opportunity pass.

“It means the world to me. It’s a great opportunity for me and I just hope to take it with both hands,” said Morrison, a former British champion.

“I think it will be a great fight; it’s a mix of two good styles. The two of us know our way around a ring and we’re not going to hide from each other. We’re going to go head-to-head and have a great fight for the people.”

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Morrison admitted that going into the fight as the underdog means the pressure isn’t on him but plans to be the champion by the end of night and cheered on by his travelling support.

“It takes a bit of pressure off you a bit. I feel if I go out and fight to the best of my ability I’m going to come out of there European champion. That’s the position I’m going to be in my next fight hopefully.

McCloskey is unbeaten in 21 fights, with 11 KOs, and Morrison knows he has to go out there and stop his opponent from taking control of the fight.

“If I go out there and let Paul McCloskey do what he’s good at it’s going to be a hell of a hard night for me. I’m going to go out there and knock him out his stride and do what I do best and hopefully it comes off for me.”