Duddy tested in Boston

Unbeaten Derry middleweight John Duddy admittedly had "the toughest fight of his career" overnight in Boston.

Duddy had to be at his aggressive best to pull off a 10-round points victory over durable Haitian fighter Julio Jean in front of 1,317 spectators at The Castle, Park Plaza.

It was only the second time since turning pro that the 26-year-old Irishman was forced to go the distance.

However, there was a degree of comfort for Duddy in the end - the three referees handed him an unanimous verdict of 100-90, 100-90 and 99-91.

Having chalked up his 15th win (13 KOs), Duddy told reporters: "Jean was very durable, slick and crafty. He was backing up a lot and trying to catch me when I was coming in.

"I reckon I learned more in this fight than I did in the 14 before it.

"I'm glad I got the victory and it was good experience. I should have let my punches flow a little more than just trying to land big shots."

Duddy returns to the ring at New York's Madison Square Garden on March 16 for a crack at the Continental Americas title against current holder Shelby Pudwill. The Dakota fighter has lost only two of his 23 fights to date.