Bernard Dunne’s rehabilitation continued Saturday night in Dublin’s National Boxing Stadium. A near full house greeted the "Irish Rover" in his second return to the ring since the traumatic ordeal against Kiko Martinez eleven months ago. The atmosphere was jovial all night. Fans were treated with the ringside presence of Matthew Macklin, who contributed greatly to the festive mood surrounding the events.

Dunne’s entrance greatly overshadowed opponent Damian David Marchiano’s modest introduction to the Irish audience. The Argentine appeared unfazed by his lack of support however and rather than merely waiting in his corner, he prowled the ring, looking threatening.

Upon entering the arena, Dunne’s appearance was an immediate point of speculation. His entrance garb left only his arms exposed, but they seemed more muscular than in previous outings. He seemed to have grown, his chest and abdomen appearing stronger than in previous bouts and his visage not as gaunt as before.

When the fighters were brought together, Dunne, although supposedly only an inch taller, was evidently the bigger man. Marchiano, a sturdy, rugged looking fighter was notably smaller, yet seemed unperturbed by the Irish man’s imposing figure. As referee Emille Tiedt administered his final instructions, the crowd roared its support of Dunne, every voice audibly contributing to a formidable battle cry.

As the action got underway, the fight did not match the crowd’s enthusiasm. Dunne carefully placed his feet defensively and planted his jab on the forehead of Marchiano repeatedly. The first round saw little variation, Dunne occasionally following up with a cross or hook, completely dominating the opening session with his superior reach and foot movement.

One would have speculated that this was a tentative opening from Dunne had he not made it clear that this was the tactic he wished to employ. Respectful applause heralded the closure of the opening session and the crowd descended into near silence between rounds. More...

Dunne, If You Want It, Come And Get It

Frank Maloney, promoter of Rendall Munroe, the European Super Bantamweight Champion has decided to answer criticism from Dublin, Ireland based boxer Bernard Dunne’s camp.

"At no time has the European champion Munroe declined to fight Bernard Dunne, the former European champ, who was stopped in round one by Kiko Martinez last August," said Maloney. More...

Bernard Dunne and Damian David Marchiano will come head to head for the first time in Dublin at 1pm today, Friday, July 11, to weigh in for this Saturday's Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium.

Also on the scales will be the combatants in a pair of Irish title fights on the card. Jim "The Pink Panther" Rock returns in a historic bid to become a four weight Irish Champion against Jonjo Finnegan while Andrew Murray will look to rip the Irish Lightweight title away from Peter McDonagh.

Also featured on the undercard is the return of Belfast puncher, Darren Corbett and Dublin natives Oisin Fagan, Ian Tims and Eugene Heagney. More...

Paul McCloskey is hoping that an impressive win over English Champion Nigel Wright on the Ladbrokes Fight Night at the University Arena in Limerick, Ireland on July 19 will land him the title shot which he desperately craves.

The County Derry stylist is unbeaten in 16 pro fights and he says he’s ready for a title shot be that on the British, European or World stage.“I feel I’m ready for anyone right now,” said the Dungiven native. “I’m 28, so I don’t have any time to waste and I’d jump at the chance of fighting for a major title.” More...

© Brian Peters Boxing

Despite returning to winning ways against Felix Machado in Castlebar in April, Bernard Dunne admits there’s something missing at the moment – his European title belt.

The Dubliner is back in action in his native city on July 12 when he meets Argentina’s Damian Marchiano in the Hunky Dorys Fight Night headline bout at the National Stadium.Dunne is hopeful that an impressive win over Marchiano will take him a step closer to a fight with the man who now holds his old European Super Bantamweight title belt – England’s Rendall Munroe. More...

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." More...

The Best of the Fighting Irish are set to showcase their talents at Dublin’s National Stadium on July 12 on the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night. The Magnificent Seven of Bernard Dunne, Matthew Macklin, Andrew Murray, Oisin Fagan, Darren Corbett, Ian Tims and Keith Cresham will see action on what should prove a hot summers night of boxing at the National Stadium.

Dunne will headline the card in an International 10 round contest as he looks to take another step towards a world title shot. The Dubliner rebounded from last years European title defeat in Castlebar last month shedding the ring rust with a comprehensive win over former World Champion, Felix Machado. More...