Wladimir Klitschko promised to unify all the heavyweight titles as soon as possible after adding the WBO crown to his IBF and IBO belts at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

John Duddy's next appearance in Ireland is likely to be in Belfast in March.

John Duddy will bid to take a further step towards a world title fight in 2008 when he meets American Matt Vanda on February 2.

IRISH heavyweight Kevin McBride sent himself into a fantasy world yesterday but it was of the Disney not boxing variety as he was left to contemplate his future in the ring following a comeback defeat at Madison Square Garden.

Vitali Klitschko’s trainer believes a number of “young, strong fighters” can step up to become world heavyweight champion.

Simon Lewis