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.

Click to read more boxing articles by Boxing Press

Discuss in Boxing Forum

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• Boxing Result: Duddy Holds On To Defeat Campas In Thriller

  Hot middleweight prospect John Duddy's train almost came off the rails last night when the popular Irish fighter stepped up to face ex-IBF Light Middleweight Champion Yory Boy Campas at >
  
  

• Boxing Info: John Duddy still developing

  Newly crowned IBA World middleweight title-holder "Ireland's" John Duddy, rated No. 6 by the WBO and No. 9 by the WBA, realizes that he's still developing >
  
  

• Marciano Award for John Duddy

  Newly crowned IBA World middleweight title-holder "Ireland's" John Duddy, rated No. 8 by the WBO and No. 10 by the WBA, will be presented the prestigious Rocky Marciano Award as >
  
  

• Duddy Gets Ex-Boxing Champ Yory Boy Campas At MSG

  Ireland’s John Duddy (17-0, 15 KO's) will be back in the Big Apple spotlight when he faces the sternest test of his young career against former world champion, Mexico’s Yory >
  
  

• Fight Of The Year? Duddy - Campas Boxing Brawl Airs On MSG Network

  The sweet science returns to MSG when the network airs (via tape delay) Ireland’s John Duddy’s brawl against Yory Boy Campas. Duddy vs. Campas, which took place on Friday, >
  
  

• Boxing In Finland: Yory Boy Meets Ex-Euro Champ In Helsinki

  The amazing Luis Ramon "Yory Boy" Campas will take part in his 102nd bout when he climbs through the ropes to meet Finnish national boxing hero and former European champ >
  
  

• Ireland’s Duddy Wins Again.

  New York based Irishman John Duddy got back into the think of the middleweight action last night at the All State Arena in Chicago as he stopped Patrick Coleman in >
  
  

• John Duddy Boxing Fundraiser Postponed, Irish Sensation Leaves For Ireland

  Due to a training conflict the June 2nd dinner-dance fund-raiser for Performing Arts Technical High students in Brooklyn, sponsored by IBA World middleweight champion "Ireland's" John Duddy and Irish >
  
  

• Boxing Info: Irish Ropes Signs John Duddy

  WBC Continental Americas middleweight champion "Ireland's" John Duddy (16-0, 14 KOs) has signed an exclusive contract with Irish Ropes. Duddy, now rated No13 by the WBA, has fought for Irish >
  
  

• Boxing In Ireland: Matthew Macklin Outpoints Yory Boy Campas

  Popular middleweight Matthew Macklin took on the still dangerous former IBF Light Middleweight Champion Yory Boy Campas last night on a Brian Peters promotion at National Stadium in Dublin, Ireland >
  
  

---