Duddy relishing training camp

11 June 2008 – by Mark Doyle

John Duddy has revealed that he is being put through a rigorous training regime by new trainer Pat Burns ahead of his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring.

The Derry middleweight parted company with Don Turner after his laboured points win over Walid Smichet last time out, a fight which saw Duddy sustain horrific cuts above both eyes, ruining his hopes of a shot at undisputed middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

However, he says that he has put the pain both physical and mental of that night behind him and is looking forward to his June 28 showdown with Charles Howe in Boston.

Im feeling great. You know, my last few fights, some people have said I looked smaller. Even my mother and father said that, he confessed.

I didnt really feel it but weve been working on me being stronger. Ive enjoyed it. Its been great working with Pat. Ive enjoyed our time together and I like his ideas.

His brother, Joseph, has been a great help, conditioning-wise. I do what I do. I love training to fight.

Training camp has been normal but we implemented weight training three times a day, five times a week and I rarely have a day off.

The preparation for my next fight has been great but, at the end of the day, all that matters is what I do in the ring. Im looking forward to doing much better than I did my last fight.