Argentine up next for Dunne

23 June 2008 – by Mark Doyle

Damian Marchiano has been unveiled as Bernard Dunnes opponent for next months date in Dublin.

The 28-year-old Argentine has lost just four of his 20 professional outings to date but was stopped in the fifth round of his clash with IBO bantamweight Silence Mabuza in South Africa last month.

As a result, he knows that nothing less than victory will suffice on July 12 when he squares up to former European super-bantamweight champion Dunne.

I know I must win this fight but I am confident that I can beat Dunne – even in his hometown, Marchiano stated.

We are working on a strategy for the fight and I think it will surprise Bernard. I dont think he has met someone as physically strong or courageous as me.

I love to fight up close and have a real war and I have a heart as strong as a lion so Bernard better be well prepared because I will make it a very hard night for him.

Meanwhile, Dunnes promoter, Brian Peters, believes that this fight will reveal if his charge is ready to step up and challenge for a world title.

Marchianos just coming off a defeat to Mabuza, who is very highly rated and considered one of the bigger punchers out there, he explained.

He also extended Oscar De La Hoyas big prospect, Abner Mares, the distance late last year so he should give us an indication of Bernards progress on the world stage.