Top contender Duddy hoping for title fight on Irish soil

MIDDLEWEIGHT contender John Duddy is being lined up for an Irish title fight on home soil next summer.

The New York-based Derryman, 27, last week pulled out of a proposed January fight on a low-key card at New York’s Roseland Ballroom. His Irish Ropes management said the decision was made as a precaution against a cut sustained in his fight and because his management insisted the calibre of opponent would have been a step back in their fighter’s development.

Duddy, the WBC Continental Americas champion, is undefeated in 18 professional fights and added a minor world title, the IBA middleweight belt at the end of September courtesy of a hard-fought victory in a thrilling battle with veteran Mexican Yory Boy Campas.