Duddy on future plans
13 August 2010 – Jonny Stapleton
John Duddy has not given up on his world title dream despite his recent loss to Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
The Derry native came to within twelve rounds of a coveted shot at the world title, but lost his eliminator to the undefeated Mexican on the top of the Latin Fury 15 bill in San Antonio Texas in June.
However, despite being on the wrong side of an unanimous points decision in the bout, the all action Irish middleweight claims he has not been diverted off the world title path.
The Derry Destroyer, who won plaudits for his heart and bravery if not the fight against Chavez Jnr, is at present taking a well earned rest and claims he is weighing up a number of interesting offers.
And after over a month of reflection Duddy was adamant he is still in world title contention.
Is the world title dream still alive? Of course it is. I still believe in myself and you never give up on your dreams, the likeable puncher told the Irish Mirror.
I would like to think I can come back bigger, better and stronger. I will always give it 100 per cent in the gym and when I fight. That will never change. There are still a lot of offers on the table and a lot of interest from top promoters so I am not going away. At the moment I am just taking it easy and enjoying the summer. I’ve been in a lot of training camps in this last few years and its nice to have a break.
Some suggest Chavez Jnr’s undefeated record is misleading and that he is over protected and hence over rated, but Duddy reckons the son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez doesnt get the credit he deserves. The New York based Derry pugilist, who claims time has helped heal the wounds of defeat, admits the jury is still out on the Mexicans world class status but did stress he is a good fighter.
I would say Chavez Jnr is better than people think. We will all have to sit back and watch his career to see if he turns out to be a world class fighter. I had a tough fight with him and gave it my all. Chavez boxed well on the night and did more than a lot of people give him credit for, Duddy added before commenting on about a possible return to Ireland.
I would love to fight back in Ireland. If it happens I’d be over the moon but I still have a lot of interesting options here in the States.
