EAMONN LOUGHRAN must start putting on the style if he wants to cash in on his version of the world welterweight title.

That was the message given to Ballymena's WBO champion by promoter Barry Hearn before his mandatory title defence against Mexico's Jose Luis Lopez in Liverpool tonight.

Loughran is totally overshadowed by the other world champions in a very strong welterweight division, namely WBC holder Pernell Whitaker the WBA's Ike Quartey and IBF king-pin Felix Trinidad.

And the Ulsterman needs to show more authority to enhance his status, even though he would always find it very difficult to rival that celebrity trio in terms of power and sheer ability.

The last two of Loughran's five defences - against Angel Beltre and Tony Ganarelli - were uninspiring affairs, and he will need to step up a gear in his clash with Mexican champion Lopez at Everton Park Sports Centre.

Next on the agenda is an ordered defence against experienced 65-fight Mexican Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas within 90 days, and the winner of that meeting is likely to be matched with Whitaker in a unification bout.

I told Loughran his last few performances had not exactly set the world alight, and that if he wants a million dollars he must show me his worth and I'd get it for him. The ball is in his court," revealed Hearn who has virtually ruled out an' all-British fight against Glasgow's Gary Jacobs.

"People see what Chris Eubank has earned but don't realise he is very famous. Loughran has not yet broken through the fame barrier.

"There's no question this is his toughest fight so far. You rarely see a bad Mexican fighter. Lopez.is up for it, the fight has been delayed several times and he fancies it, so we will find out what Loughran's made of.

"If Loughran wins, Campas is next and the winner of that fights Whitaker. I think Campas is getting past his sell-by date and it may be that untold riches are waiting to open up for Loughran."

Lopez (22), from Durango, is a good puncher and has 26 stoppages in his 34-3-I record. But he has fought at welterweight only five times having started his career in the bantamweight division.

Loughran also carries power, but may not be keen to take too many risks in trying to land the big shots with some prosperous fights waiting on the horizon.

It is likely to be a difficult assignment, but 25-year-old Loughran may well box his way through to a points verdict.

Scotland's Paul Weir will at tempt to claw back the WBO light-flyweight title from the hero of Soweto, Baby Jake Matlala, on the same promotion.

Weir was cut and lost his crown in five rounds to Matlala last November. In a confusing finale, Matlala was declared champion on a technical decision, although the tiny South African was well on top and getting stronger by the round.

The protests of Weir's manager Tommy Gilmour secured the rematch, giving the 28-year-old Scot a bonus chance to regain his title. And the fact the fight is being staged south of the border will relieve some of the pressure.

Hearn added: "Weir's got a second bite at the cherry and this is a good chance for him as I understand Matlala has found it very hard to make the weight this time.

"Matlala, at 34, will run out of petrol one day. Weir's got nothing to lose and it may be more explosive than last time. If Weir has learned his lesson he has a realistic chance of an upset."

Matlala (55 bouts, 43 wins, two draws) is now into the veteran stage for a fighter in the lighter divisions, but had too much for, Weir six months ago and is likely, to have too much again. He could win by a stoppage in the later rounds.

Meanwhile, Britain's Michael Ayers will make a bid for the European light-weight boxing title when he comes up against Frenchman Angel Mona, in Monaco on April 27th.

The current title holder Mona says he does not want to retire unless he has made at least one attempt at a world title. "If I win against Ayers, that could happen before the end of the year," added the Frenchman.

Jackson's record