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Argentina’s Damian Marchiano has been confirmed as Bernard Dunne’s next opponent when they clash at the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on July 12.
Their ten round contest will headline a seven fight card that features two Irish title bouts.
Marchiano is coming off an unsuccessful challenge in South Africa for Silence Mabuza’s IBO title and he knows a second successive defeat is not a desirable career option. “I know I must win this fight but I am confident that I can beat Dunne even in his hometown,” said the 28-year-old from Buenos Aires.
“We are working on a strategy for the fight and I think it will surprise Bernard. I don’t think he has met someone as physically strong or courageous as me. I love to fight up close and have a real war and I have a heart as strong as a lion so Bernard better be well prepared because I will make it a very hard night for him.”
Promoter Brian Peters believes Dunne’s performance next month will tell a lot about the Dubliner’s world title aspirations. “Marchiano’s just coming off a defeat to Silence Mabuza who is very highly rated and considered one of the bigger punchers out there,” said the promoter. “He also extended Oscar De La Hoya’s big prospect Abner Mares the distance late last year so he should give us an indication of Bernard’s progress on the world stage.”
The undercard will feature Dublin’s Jim Rock in a historic bid to become a four weight Irish Champion when he clashes with Jonjo Finnegan for the Irish Light Heavyweight title. Irish Light Welterweight champ Andrew Murray will also look to add a second Irish title to his collection when he moves down to lightweight to challenge Peter McDonagh.
McDonagh, of course, will be best remembered by Irish fight fans for his controversial win over Michael Gomez to claim the Irish title back in 2006. Gomez was in the news last weekend after extending former Olympic Silver Medallist Amir Khan in their high profile clash in Birmingham.
One very interested observer to the McDonagh vs. Murray clash will be Dubliner Oisin Fagan, who also fights on the card. Fagan is hoping to meet the winner later in the year but he’s not looking beyond his own bout on the card.
“I’m really looking forward to fighting back at home again,” said Fagan. “They say this bout will be a warm up for the ‘big one’ against the winner of the Murray and McDonagh fight, but rest assured, I’m not taking this fight lightly. It will be my first fight back since March and as of now, since I just moved back from the USA to Dublin, I have left behind my trainer and have not found a suitable trainer to take his place. So, this is a very important and tough fight for me, both physically and mentally.”
Fagan says his money is on Murray to become a two weight champion by beating McDonagh, but either way he just wants a chance to win back the Irish title he never lost in the ring.
“Of course, I want my Irish title back and I’ll fight either Murray or McDonagh for it, it doesn’t matter which of them it is,” said Fagan. “On paper, it looks like Murray, but I’ll be prepared for either. Murray is an excellent boxer and a lovely kid and I think he’ll go far, however, I vow that while he’ll probably be the favourite going into our fight, he’ll never have faced someone with the same heart and drive as me and I’ll make it the toughest fight he’ll ever have.
“People have to remember that I’m the one who’s fought the ‘big names’ out there and been robbed in other guy’s hometowns. Unfortunately, since the start of my career, I haven’t had a promoter that can financially afford to bring the big names into my hometown, in front of my fans, with ‘friendly’ judges and referees who know me by name. I’ve been brought up the hard way in this sport and if and when the opportunity arises I fully intend to show Andy how hard my climb was, compared to his.”
The undercard also features the return of power punching Belfast cruiserweight Darren Corbett after almost five years on the sidelines while former Irish amateur heavyweight champ, Ian Tims, also features as he looks to extend his unbeaten professional record.
Rounding out the card is Eugene Heagney as he returns to the scene of his thrilling Irish title encounter with Belfast’s Colin Moffett last December.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night priced from €50 are available from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.
