Fitz wants Duddy showdown

26 August 2010

Anthony Fitzgerald has his sights firmly locked on his old adversary Robbie Long, with whom he locks horns for the third time in the National Stadium on September 11.

Fitzy will be looking to make it eight wins on the trot, at the same venue where he claimed his Irish title six months ago.

It should be a great night of boxing, with two European fights and my own title on the line with Robbie. Im feeling great to be honest as many probably saw with my performance against Phil Townley, he said.

I took this fight for the fans and the fans only, theyve been calling for this fight since – well since the last time we fought really but I think this time it will be a little more one-sided then theyre hoping for. Training for me has been intense but its worth it, I felt I was just getting into my stride (vs Townley) – and the final bell went, I felt like another six rounds would have been a breeze.

For The Pride this fight is yet another stepping stone on his path to a European shot but its another Irish scalp that Fitzy has plans for after his final fight in the Fitzy-Long trilogy.

I want John Duddy, I think its a fight that would pack out a venue firstly but I also want it because its a fight I think I can win. Hes looking to bounce back after his loss to Chavez and he hasnt fought here in three or four years so John Duddy if you think you can beat me lets get the fight on.

With Spike OSullivan now having turned his attention to fights in the UK, the Irish Middleweight title may be an option for a potential clash between Fitzgerald and Duddy.

Dolphil Promotions Head Coach, Phil Sutcliffe has every bit of confidence in his charges ability.

If John was interested in this fight of course wed take it, Anthonys attitude in the gym has impressed me so much theres few fighters out there I wouldnt put him in with. Duddy wouldnt be one of them, I think Fitzys style and power would cause a big upset but lets see if it happens, he said.

For now Fitzgerald it treating the Long fight as if it was the third European Title fight on the night, If that happens great, now Im focused on beating Long and beating him well, he said.

I dont want any calls for a rematch after this one. Im training harder then ever so after this fight Im going to kick on and chase the big boys in the European division.