Duddy plots course to dominate Europe

JOHN DUDDY wants a shot at a European title sooner rather than later, and his manager, Tony McLoughlin, has predicted a title before the end of the year but the Derry man, himself, is reluctant to look beyond Saturday night’s homecoming fight against Italian, Alessio Furlan, aka “Il Guerriero”.

“It’s boxing and in this game things can change overnight. It all depends on whether you keep winning and you keep healthy but it is safe to say that a shot at the European title is the destination,” Duddy said last evening as he put the finishing touches to his preparations.

“I am eager to get on with this fight. I have looked forward to it for so long. It’s been great boxing back in the States and I know I have fought before big crowds and in great atmospheres but the National Stadium is really special to me.

“When I was an amateur I always looked forward to coming down to the National Stadium and fighting before big crowds. It has it’s own unique atmosphere and really it was my second home.

“That’s why I am looking forward to fighting there. It is just a fantastic venue and I hope that I can reignite that old atmosphere by putting on a good show for the fans.

“That’s very important to me because this fight is a big step in my career. At this point every fight is a big step so it is a fantastic time for me.”

After 20 fights Stateside, Duddy admits that he is all wrapped up in his homecoming. He wants to savour every moment and refuses to look beyond it towards a European title, which Tony McLoughlin insists is his destination.

Furlan a tough, seasoned pro who recently lasted into the 12th and final round with current European Champion, Sebastian Sylvester, believes he can spoil the homecoming and put the first blemish on a spotless record.

“I have great respect for John Duddy but I have my plan to beat him,” he said. “He is tough and not afraid of anyone so he’s just like me. I intend to spoil his homecoming and maybe buy him a drink afterwards and apologise to him.

“I saw his fight with Yory Boy Campas and it was a real war. Those are the kind of fights I love to be involved in. He is not a big puncher but he wears his opponents down with his work rate.

“I am not underestimating him because he is a tough fighter but I see some flaws in his defence.”

Duddy has watched tapes of Furlan’s fights and knows what to expect. “I have not seen anything I can’t handle,” he said. “Right now I am in the shape of my life. I will have a lot of fans at the National Stadium and that, too, will be to my advantage.”

But Furlan won’t be fazed by enthusiastic or even hostile fans. “I love fighting in front of big, passionate crowds,” he said. “I travelled to Germany to take on the current European Champion Sebastian Sylvester and I loved every minute of that trip. I plan to enjoy my trip to Dublin too.”

Furlan has a record of 19 wins, 8 losses and 5 draws from 32 professional fights and has been involved in eight title fights.