Boxing News: John Duddy fights for first title

NEW YORK (February 21) – Fresh off of his first 10-round fight, “Ireland’s” John Duddy (15-0, 13 KOs) battles for his first pro title belt March 16 headlining “The Shamrock Express,” promoted by Irish Ropes, against veteran “Showtime” Shelby Pudwill (21-2-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Intercontinental Americas middleweight championship at The Theater in Madison Square Garden.

Duddy pitched a near shutout February 4 in Boston, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-90, 100-90, 99-91) from Julio Jean. “It was a great experience,” Duddy explained in his thick Irish brogue. “I fought 10 tough rounds for the first time and now everybody knows I can do it. I loved the crowd up in Boston and I was glad they saw me fight 10 rounds because my first fight in that area was a quick and short experience (TKO of Joseph Brady 64 seconds into the first round back in September in Mansfield, Massachusetts).”

Duddy’s next opponent is part of the fightin’ Pudwill family from North Dakota. Former fighter and brother, Tocker, trains Shelby and their sister Regan also is a pro fighter. Shelby is the former CAM (Canadian, American and Mexican) middleweight champ and he’s riding an eight-fight win streak dating back to 2001.

“I don’t know too much about him, yet,” Duddy spoke about his opponent. “I’ll learn more about him before we fight. The fact I’m fighting for my first pro title and headlining an Irish show is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tickets are priced between $50.00 and $400.00 and are available by calling TicketMaster (212.307.7171) or Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant & Bar (212.629.9899). For more information about “The Shamrock Express” call Irish Ropes at 718.318.5145 or visit its web site at www.irishropes.com.