Peters: I wanted Bernard to forfeit world crown

BRIAN PETERS revealed after Saturday night’s disaster at the O2 that he had suggested to Bernard Dunne that he might forfeit the WBA world super bantamweight title and go down another route rather than face the mandatory challenge of Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.

The Thai challenger, shunned by the best super bantamweights in the world, had been waiting for a shot at the world title for 18 months and, after he won the belt from Ricardo Cordoba, the WBA left Dunne with no option. Dunne’s promoter Peters and Hunky Dorys did exceptionally well to get the fight to Dublin.

“He (Bernard) has had two mandatories and they resulted in his only two defeats,” Peters said. “I suggested to Bernard that he forfeit the belt but he wanted the fight.