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 into a world-class fighter.

Ireland-native Duddy (18-0, 15 KOs), now fighting of out Queens (NY), learned an invaluable lesson in his last fight, September 29 in a unanimous 12-round decision title-winning performance at The Theatre in Madison Square Garden against former world champion Luis Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas (88-9) for the IBA World middleweight title.

"It's hard to put into words what I learned in that fight against Campas," Duddy said. "I think it will be reflected in my next fight. I took some great shot, overcame a few cuts, and showed my heart. I proved that, when my back is to the wall, my opponents still have to reckon with me. I never stopped believing I was going to win the fight.

"I'm glad 'Yori Boy' took the fight because he helped me. I took everything he gave me without complaining to the referee. I just started going back to the gym. We'll go over what I did right and wrong and work to fix it. I need to keep improving."

Duddy, 27, not only is proud of his new title but he's grateful for his growing legion of passionate fans. "This title is a stepping stone for me," John explained. "James Toney held the IBA title and the other title I had (WBC Continental Americas), Jermain Taylor once held. I'm on the right track and showing people I'll find a way to get to the very top. I'm very lucky to have my fans. They keep coming to watch me fight and I love them. I'll keep training 110-percent to be better. My cuts have healed and I hope to be fighting again in mid-January."

Click to read more boxing articles by Boxing Press

Discuss in Boxing Forum | Send to a friend.

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• 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 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 Result: John Duddy Remains Undefeated In Last US Fight

  Last night John Duddy brought back boxing to New York's famed Beacon Theatre and the transplanted Irishman may not have had a spectacular send off for his last fight in >
  
  

• Boxing Weigh-In: Johns Duddy vs. Charlie Howe

  

  © Emily Harney / Irish Ropes In preparation for the big John Duddy vs. Charlie Howe show tonight from The Castle in Boston, MA, the principal fighters all weighed in >
  
  

• Heat Wave KOs Duddy Vegas Boxing Debut

  Ireland’s John Duddy has been sidelined by heat prostration and dehydration, and will be unable to appear on the August 10 fight card at the Orleans in Las Vegas, it >
  
  

• Duddy Fighting at MSG.

  Unbeaten Irish middleweight John Duddy (9-0, 9 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in boxing, feels genuinely honored to be fighting June 11th at historic Madison Square Garden. Duddy, now >
  
  

• 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 >
  
  

• Boxing Quotes: John Duddy, Anthony Bonsante, Giovanni Lorenzo, Maureen Shea

  JOHN DUDDY: “I’ve worked very hard -- I’m sure Anthony has too – for this fight. We’re both hungry and eager to give fans what they want. I’m looking forward >
  
  

---