NEW YORK (September 10, 2006) – Photo by Wray Edwards – Unbeaten middleweight sensation “Ireland’s” John Duddy, rated No. 5 by the WBO and No. 10 by the WBA, is at training camp in the Pocono Mountains preparing to headline “Shamrocks & Sombreros” on September 29 against veteran Luis Ramon “Yory Boy” Campas for the vacant IBA World title in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
“Everything has been fantastic at camp,” Duddy reported from the Poconos. “I’ll be in the best shape of my life for this fight. We’re doing four-minute rounds for everything, sparring and pads. And Harry (head trainer Keitt) brought the sledgehammer, too. (Keitt has his fighters end training sessions by hitting a large truck tire with a sledgehammer.)
“In boxing today, it’s not the belt that makes the champion; it’s the champion who makes the belt. I work and fight hard. When I’m wearing the belt around my waist, I’ll represent it to the best of my ability, and I’ll be a good champion.”
The Ireland-born Duddy (17-0, 15 KOs), reigning WBC Continental Americas title-holder, now fights out of Queens, New York.
The 34-year-old Campas (88-8, 72 KOs), clearly Duddy’s toughest opponent to date, has been fighting professionally for 20 years. The Mexican knockout-artist is a noted upset specialist having knocked off previously unbeaten opponents such as Esteban Camou (17-0) last year, Tony Ayala, Jr. (27-0) in 2000, and Raul Marquez (28-0).
Four of the former IBF light middleweight champion Campas’ eight career losses have been to world champions Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Fernando Vargas and Daniel Santos.
“It’s an honor getting into the ring against Campas,” Duddy noted. “I’ve never fought anybody with half of Yory Boy Campas’ experience. It’s going to be a learning experience, but at the end of the day, I think I have the tools to beat him.”
Duddy’s promoter, Irish Ropes, is co-promoting “Shamrocks & Sombreros” with DRL Promotions, whose ownership includes legendary Roberto Duran.
“If Roberto Duran isn’t in the top five all-time, he’s definitely in the top 10,” Duddy concluded. “But he’s so humble and friendly to everybody. Even at the Irish bars, from the moment he got out of the limo to the time he got back in, he was gracious with everybody, signing autographs and posing for pictures. It’s been great being with him.”
Duddy’s classic Irish blood-and-guts style of fighting and matinee idol look have attracted a growing number of passionate fans up-and-down the East Coast, particularly in New York, as his bandwagon continues to expand with each electrifying victory.
Call 212.835.1582 for “Shamrocks & Sombreros” ticket information.