Dubliner Dunne is a big hit with ‘Governator’ Arnie

“I’LL be back,” was the immediate response from Bernard Dunne when Arnold Schwarzenegger invited him to return to the Marconi Automotive charitable event in California.

The charity is sponsored by the California Governor, and Dunne's promoter and boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is also involved.

Last year, Sugar Ray built up the young Dubliner so much that Schwarzenegger timed his visit to the show around his fight and Dunne did not disappoint.

In fact he made such an impression the man they call The Terminator dubbed him The De La Hoya. "This little guy is just great," he said.

While Dunne plans his ring comeback for March 12 six or eight rounds with Orlando Soto in San Jose manager Brian Peters said they just could not turn down the invitation.

"It is a high profile event and those are the type of events we need right now," he said. " We have already decided on a opponent a tough little guy named Angelo Torres who has won all of his eight contests to date and if Bernard stops him it will be really big news."

Dunne has not fought since he damaged his hand in victory back in November. That cost him a place on a big bill at Madison Square Garden.

But he came back to Ireland, married his childhood sweetheart, honeymooned in Spain and is now back in Santa Monica rarin' to go.

"I just can't wait to get back in the ring," he said yesterday. "Brian [Peters] has been working very hard with me to formulate a plan.

"I have been sparring Alex Arthur who is here training with Freddie Roach and I am in top shape."

Peters admitted that it was all a bit of a gamble but said it was an opportunity too big to turn down.

"The two fights are a little bit closer together than I would have wanted but I'm working on an exclusive event for May, so this is all part of the preparation for it. This will be a big year for Bernard who will be moving up to 10 rounds by May or June at the latest.

"I expect Bernard to have seven to eight fights in 2004 and be fighting for his first USBA or NABF American title by the end of the year, which will be over 12 rounds.

"Man proposes and God disposes, so we will wait and see what happens. But it is all pretty exciting. Bernard is pretty big news and the charity bill will centre around him which is a great tribute. From that point of view we just could not turn it down."