WHAT better metaphor to judge this year in and out of the ring than the sport itself. Like a journeyman pro, the sport has in 2006 been all things to all men.

JOHN DUDDY surprised even himself with the manner in which he claimed his first title belt on a boisterous night in New York before 5,000 Irish fight fans.

Unbeaten Derry middleweight John Duddy's next opponent has been confirmed as North Dakota fighter Shelby Pudwill.

Unbeaten Derry middleweight John Duddy admittedly had "the toughest fight of his career" overnight in Boston.