IT'S one way of getting to see your nan for nothing - the only thing about Ashley 'Treasure' Theophane's jaunt to Belfast this week is he had to go 30 rounds with a potential European champion.
The Paddington-born light-welter crossed the Irish Sea to spar with Paul McCloskey, who bids to claim the European title when he takes on former word champion Souleymane M'baye in the Northern Ireland capital on Saturday.
It seems Theophane's name was the first on McCloskey's lips when he thought of someone to take him the extra step against the Frenchman, and Theophane himself has plans for next year.
Theophane said: "Being in Belfast, I went down to see my grandmother in Dublin, which was a bonus.
"I think Paul will have no trouble with Souleymane in their European Championship fight - McCloskey's in great shape.
"This is the first time I have sparred since June, so by December, I will be firing on all cylinders.
"My team are in talks for a major fight Stateside, so I'm looking forward to 2010."
