Dunne ‘two fights’ away from world title tilt

BERNARD DUNNE could be just two fights away from a shot at a world title according to promoter Brian Peters who said yesterday they had abandoned hopes of luring the European champion, Rendall Munroe, to Dublin.

Peters discussed the possibility of a Dublin showdown with Frank Maloney after Munroe had stripped Kiko Martinez of the title he won from Dunne last August but it would appear that this particular fight is not on and they have opted for another route.

Dunne will be hoping to build on his comeback win over former world champion, Macho Machada, at the National Stadium on July 12 when he will touch gloves with a hungry young fighter from the Dominican Republic, Marcos Jiminez, who has a 13-0-1 record that includes eight KOs.

“After that Bernard will have a serious fight within three to four months and then I would say a world title fight is definitely on the cards,” Peters said. “Bernard is ranked No 8 with the WBO and I have been talking to a number of connections.”

While Jiminez is the preferred opponent, his appearance at the Stadium on July 12 has to be confirmed pending the resolution of a passport problem so Dunne was not in attendance at yesterday’s press conference to announce changes.

Gone from the bill is Matthew Macklin who has taken another route and will peddle his talents in England rather than Ireland in the future although Brian Peters said he will definitely box in Ireland if not as frequently.

Two mouth-watering Irish title fights have been added to the televised Hunky Dorys Fight Night on July 12 which is headlined by Bernard Dunne.

While making history by just challenging for a fourth title the “Pink Panther” Jim Rock will make a dramatic return to the ring as he attempts to become an unprecedented four-weight Irish champion by stepping up to light heavyweight to tackle Jonjo Finnegan who has his roots in Galway.

And another Galway-connected fighter, Peter McDonagh, will have the added incentive of another European title fight dangling before him when he puts his lightweight title on the line against Andrew Murray from Cavan who already holds the light welterweight belt.

McDonagh will be defending the Irish title he won in controversial fashion two years ago when Michael Gomez quit after taking a barrage.

McDonagh did not get the credit he deserved as the significance of McDonagh’s victory was shrouded in allegations of a betting coup but he got a huge reception when he returned to his Galway roots.

“There were bonfires all along the route in Galway and more than 1,000 people turned up to meet me,” he said. “If I get a shot at a European title I would like it to be in Galway.