Duddy already looking to next fight

John Duddy will head straight back to the gym on Monday morning after scoring a first-round knockout that earned him a fight on the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey undercard on March 13.

The Northern Irish middleweight moved his professional record to 28-1 with the 18th knockout of his career as he dispatched American-based Mexican Juan Astorga after just one minute and 55 seconds of the opening round of their contest at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

It was Duddy’s first stoppage victory since 2007 and continued his comeback from the loss of his unbeaten pro record in a split-decision defeat to Billy Lyell last April.

“I don’t know who I am fighting (on March 13), but I will be straight back into the gym on Monday with Harry (Keitt, his trainer),” Duddy said.

“I ain’t stopping this train now. I am looking forward to it.

“Craig (Hamilton, Duddy’s manager) will be working on my next opponent and whoever it is, bring him on.”

Watched by Top Rank president Bob Arum, Duddy secured his spot on the Pacquiao-Clottey WBO welterweight title card Arum is promoting after twice flooring the outclassed Astorga (14-4-1, 9 KOs).

First Duddy forced the Mexican to take a knee after a straight right to the head brought a delayed reaction, and then moments later he delivered a left hook to the body that persuaded referee Wayne Kelly to wave the fight off.

“I hit him a couple of times to the body, and with that last left hook to the body I could hear the wind coming out of his lungs,” Duddy said.

“It landed on the button, and once I saw him land on the canvas I knew he wasn’t getting up again.

“I wish it has gone on longer but I was throwing my shots with a lot of determination.”