Duddy Fight Off

11 November 2008 – By Cormac Campbell

John Duddys proposed clash with Sam Hill at the Roseland Ballroom in New York on November 21 has been called off.

Unbeaten Duddy had left his training camp last week amid rumours that his working relationship with Irish Ropes was on the verge of collapse. The Derry native later returned to training but on Tuesday it was confirmed that the bill was off.

“Cedric Kushner, President of Gotham Boxing, has been informed by Irish Ropes that they cannot deliver the services of John Duddy, the headliner on the November 21st New York City show. As such, the show has been cancelled,” a statement read.

The news comes as a major blow to the unbeaten light-middleweight as had already been pencilled in to face Ronald Hearns early next year a bout that was expected to open the door to a World Title shot.

The BBC quote Duddy, 25-0, as saying, “It is out of my control. Obviously I’m very disappointed.”