Tough tests in store for devastating Duddy

IRISH Ropes are lining up two more stern tests for John Duddy after the Derryman came through the successful defence of his WBC Continental Americas title in New York at the weekend.

Fighting on the undercard of the Miguel Cotto-Paulie Malignaggi junior welterweight world title contest at Madison Square Garden, Duddy took his unbeaten record to 17-0 when Chicago’s Freddie Cuevas retired at the end of the seventh round with a broken and cut nose and with cuts to his right eye.

Referee Arthur Mercante Jr stopped the fight after consulting with Cuevas’ manager, Alfonso Ortiz Sr and both agreed there was little point in the 36-year-old veteran risking further injury.