Eastman confident ahead of Duddy fight

Former world title challenger Howard Eastman believes he can bounce back into championship contention with a victory over rising Derry star John Duddy when they meet at the King’s Hall on December 8.

At a news conference in Belfast today, Eastman declared that he was ready to end the world title ambitions of unbeaten Duddy who has become a big hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eastman, who lost last time out in a British middleweight title fight with Wayne Elcock, said: “On December 8 I’m going to beat your golden boy.

“A win against Duddy and I am back on the road to another world title chance and that’s what this game is all about.”

Duddy, in line for a shot WBC world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik next year, is eagerly anticipating following in the footsteps of his boyhood heroes.

He said: “When I was a kid I sat and watched Barry McGuigan and Dave McAuley at the King’s Hall and they were great nights and now I have the chance to be on such a great stage.

“Howard comes with a lot of experience and he has fought at a very high level and I’m sure he’ll bring out the best in me.”