Dunne backed to take world title

Top trainer Brendan Ingle has backed Ireland's Bernard Dunne to go on and become a world champion.

Dunne was far too clever for Esham Pickering at the Point Depot in Dublin last night, landing the vacant European super-bantamweight title with a unanimous decision, two judges having it 117-111 and the other 115-113.

Ingle, who trains Pickering, said: “This guy has everything it takes to become a world champion.

“That was a very classy performance from Bernard and I hope he goes on to become a world champion and who knows maybe he’ll give Esham a re-match.

“In the later rounds I could see that as Esham was trying to come on Bernard was tying him up at times and messing him around and then having a real go near the end of the round and you need that at the highest level, that’s smart.”

The obvious fight for Dunne is a meeting with newly-crowned IBF super-bantamweight champion Steve Molitor, who stopped former European champion Michael Hunter on Friday night in England.

Ingle added: “He would give Molitor all the trouble he wants.”

Dubliner Dunne revealed that he has already boxed the Canadian as an amateur and would relish the chance of facing him for the world title.

He said: “I boxed for Ireland against Canada and beat Steve Molitor and I would love that fight.

“I watched the fight with Hunter and that was not the same Michael Hunter who fought Esham Pickering.

“I couldn’t believe the way he lost because he is known for his heart but at the count of two he didn’t want to know against Molitor.”

While Dunne looks destined for a world title shot in 2007, manager Brian Peters is keen for him to gain more experience at European level.

“I want to see Bernard mop up Europe. He has just gone to a new level and there are a lot guys out there including Hunter who he can face,” said Peters.

“Everything has worked out very well so far and in due course I have no problem in Bernard fighting Molitor.

“Bernard is now one the biggest draws around in Britain and Ireland. I would say only Ricky Hatton can generate an atmosphere like that. The crowd were incredible. We had 7,000 and we could have sold 10,000.”

Meanwhile, Pickering will return to the ring in January when he takes on Mark Callaghan for the British super-bantamweight title.