Duddy’s King’s Hall bout scrapped

19 September 2008 – by Mark Doyle

John Duddys proposed homecoming bout in Belfast on November 29 is off.

It had been hoped that the Derry native, who is now campaigning at light-middleweight, would challenge Verno Phillips for his IBF title at the Kings Hall on that date.

However, that fight now appears to have been scrapped completely, with Duddys manager, Eddie McLoughlin, confirming that the undefeated Irishmans next outing will be on November 6 at the Westbury County Centre in Long Island.

We should confirm an opponent shortly, McLoughlin is quoted as saying by The Irish Sun.

It is a key date as a lot of journalists will be in town for the Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones fight. We should get a lot of exposure.

And McLoughlin revealed that the goal after that bout will be arranging a match-up with Ronald Hearns, son of ringing legend Thomas, in Madison Square Garden.

If John and Ronald Hearns keep their unbeaten records, they will be a step closer to meeting on January 21,” he enthused.