Duddy facing major test on Pacquiao bill
JOHN DUDDY must prove his world title credentials when he features on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title defence in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium this Sunday morning, according to European light-welterweight champion, Paul McCloskey. (Live on Sky Sports 1 from 2 a.m.)
The 30-years-old Galliagh middleweight faces arguably his most high profile fight since turning professional seven years ago when he returns to the ring to face hard-hitting Mexican, Michael Medina, in the newly built, state of the art stadium in Arlington, Texas.
And with Top Rank's legendary promoter, Bob Arum - who has taken a keen interest in the progression of Duddy's career - at ringside, the pressure will be on.
Add in the fact that an expected sell-out crowd of 45,000, not to mention the eyes of the boxing world tuned in to watch the world's 'pound for pound king,' defend his title against Joshua Clottey, McCloskey believes it's a golden opportunity for Duddy to stake his claim as a legitimate world title contender.
Having represented Ireland together as amateurs, 'Dudie' believes his former sparring partner has the necessary attributes to get a shot at a world title within the year, however, he insists that Duddy can't afford another blemish on his record.
"The most important thing for John is to get the victory at the weekend. He can't afford to lose this one," said McCloskey. "There will be so many people watching and it's the perfect platform for him to showcase his skills. He's got to win, not necessarily win the fight with style, obviously if he does that's a bonus, but he's got the chance to get himself recognised as a major contender," insisted McCloskey.
"It's an absolutely massive, massive bill to be on and it's going to be a major show. I haven't been talking to John for a while now, but knowing him, he'll be in the best shape of his life and will be completely focused on this fight.
"Without doubt, he's on the right track now, he just needs to keep grinding out victory after victory. There can't be any more losses along the way."
Duddy appears a different proposition having been reunited with original trainer, Harry Keitt, and he bounced back from the shock defeat to Billy Lyell last April with a comfortable win over Michi Munoz followed by a ferocious first round stoppage of Juan Astorga in Madison Square Garden last January.
And McCloskey believes the former Ring member has benefited from reverting back to his natural boxing style.
"I believe he has the chance of getting a crack at a world title if he can get back to the way he was fighting at the start of his career. He had a problem with Billy Lyell, but not many fighters go through their career without getting beaten.
"He showed against Astorga in his last fight that he's improved and he seems a lot happier back under his old trainer, Harry Keitt. But I believe the key for John is to get back to his old style.
"Don Turner came in and changed his style, that was silly because that's what people come to see John fight for. His natural style is what attracts people to his fights."
Duddy's opponent on Sunday morning, 23 year-old Medina (22-1-2, 18 KOs) has held the Mexican super welterweight title since 2007 and is rated No 11 by the WBC. McCloskey expects Duddy to be involved in a battle with the young Mexican.
"I've done a little bit of research on Medina, he seems good enough and on paper anyway, he's probably John's toughest test so far. Medina's fought reasonable opponents, he's got a big punch and with John not normally taking many backward steps during a fight, it's going to be a battle," predicted the Dungiven man.
Meanwhile, McCloskey is anxiously waiting on confirmation of the date and venue of his first defence of his European title.
'Dudie's' promoters, Matchroom Promotions, are currently in negotiations with Sky TV in relation to dates for the fight which is expected to be against mandatory challenger, Italian Guiseppe Lauri.
"I'm still on the merry-go-round at the minute," he declared.
"Matchroom have told us that the Sky TV dates are tied up for March and April so it's more likely going to be the end of May or June."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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