Duddy expects December title shot

Boxing:  John Duddy's second fight on Irish soil is now expected to take place in October after his scheduled return to Ireland was postponed yesterday.

The Derryman was due to fight in Belfast's King's Hall on August 25th, but a cut above his eye sustained in the 10 round stoppage of Italian Alessio Furlan in the National Stadium earlier this month requires a little more time to heal.

There were also problems securing an opponent after German Mahir Oral was injured in a sparring session.

Duddy is required to fight at least once more in Europe before he can challenge European champion Sebastian Sylvester.

He is now expected to fight in the Waterfront in Belfast on either October 6th or 13th, with a view to a shot at Sylvester on December 1st or 8th at the King's Hall.

Duddy has a professional record of 21-0, with 16 knock-outs, but introduced himself to an Irish audience with an, at times, laboured win over Furlan.  It was his first fight under the guidance of revered
trainer Don Turner.

His connections at Irish Ropes in New York feel the partnership is beginning to blossom and by the time December comes and a step up in class is necessary, the 28-year-old will be ready.

Reflecting on the Furlan fight today manager Eddie McLoughlin said: "There were a two rounds there, I think they were the fourth and fifth. One of them he probably lost, the other he was getting caught, though there were exchanges.

"Then once he got back on the right track in the sixth he was coasting again.

"But when the bar is risen in the form of opposition, Duddy's performance will rise as well. And I genuinely think that you will see the real Duddy - we all will - against Sylvester or whoever is at the helm then."

Irish Ropes had intended on promoting the next fight on their own but have decided to once again team up with Meath-based promoter Brian Peters, whose contribution to Duddy's Irish debut was "above and beyond all expectations", according to McLoughlin.