Duddy in training

9 October 2008 – by Cormac Campbell

Irish light middleweight star John Duddy is in Miami training ahead of a November 21 bout at New Yorks Roseland Ballroom bout as he builds towards the most important year of his career.

It is hoped that victory over an as of yet unnamed opponent in the Big Apple will further the unbeaten Derrymans chances of securing a clash with veteran IBF champion Verno Phillips in 2009. That bout had been mooted for Halloween with Belfasts Odyssey Arena the proposed venue however with boxing as uncertain as ever the bill fell through as did a proposed November date at the Kings Hall.

Before facing Phillips, Duddy is likely to secure a bout with Ronald Hearns, son of the legendary Kronk puncher Thomas Hitman Hearns.