Derryman Duddy claims fourth pro win

Derry light middleweight John Duddy, 24, saw off the challenge of Ken Hock in Connecticut in the early hours of this morning for his fourth win of his five-month professional career.

Hock, from Philadelphia, was floored in the third round following a stinging left hand and referee Dick Flaugherty had no option but to stop the bout after one minute and 23 seconds of the fourth round.

The Irishman’s co-manager Kevin Dever said afterwards: "Team Duddy is happy with the four rounds we got. John has really improved and he showed the crowd what he is capable of.

"There was a large Irish fan base there again and that’s four out of four stoppages and you can’t ask for better than that at the beginning of a career." Duddy’s three previous successes came as a result of first round KOs.

Duddy, who is based in Queens, New York, recently changed trainers, taking on Harry Keith, who was formerly in charge of two-time WBA welterweight champion Mark Breland.