Into the West for Dunne

March 2008 – by Cormac Campbell

Bernard Dunne returns to the ring on April 12 at the International Events Arena, Castlebar against former IBF super flyweight champion Felix Machado. The popular Dubliner has been out of the ring since August, when he relinquished his EBU Bantamweight title in one round against the power-punching Kiko Martinez. Since then the 28-year-old has come to terms with the defeat, and having taken time out of the ring to enjoy becoming a father for the second time, he admits revenge is on his mind. I’d like to get Mr Martinez in the ring again as soon as possible for obvious reasons,” he said. “There are other factors to consider though with Kiko fighting under a different promotional banner so I don’t know if the fight can be made but if it comes along I’ll be ready for it. Hopefully it will, but myself, Brian Peters and Harry Hawkins have sat down and established our own plan if that doesn’t come off.” That said, Dunne doesn’t intend on underestimating his seasoned comeback opponent. “I just want to get back in there and get back on track starting with this fight on April 12th.” The selection of Co Mayo as a venue for big time boxing will undoubtedly surprise a few, but event promoter Brian Peters is keen to stress that the venue and the opponent are very much up to scratch. “The facilities in the Breaffy House Resort are top class,” said the Meath businessman. “We had a very successful show in Limerick with Andy Lee in February and we have Paul McCloskey headlining in Letterkenny next month so there’s a huge appetite around the country now for professional boxing and it’s great to see. “Certainly we can’t afford to look past someone with the quality of Machado. He’s a seasoned, durable opponent and has been to the very highest level. He’s competed in 8 world title fights and won the majority of them so Bernard certainly can’t be accused of taking on a soft touch.” The Hunky Dorys Fight Night on April 12 will feature an undercard with plenty of local interest as Mayo’s own fighting me take to the ring. Undefeated cruiserweight prospect Michael “The Storm” Sweeney will look to extend his unbeaten record while Castlebar’s very own Keith Cresham will make his pro debut at light heavyweight. Also on the card is London based Galwegian John O’Donnell, a skilled welterweight operator. The fighting trio from Connaught will be joined on the card by Cuban heavyweight sensation Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez in what will be his third scheduled professional fight in just 4 weeks. Also on the card is Omagh’s unbeaten light middleweight Damian Taggart who is being mentored by All-Ireland winning manager Mickey Harte. Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from 60 are now on sale from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.