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."

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