By Allan Donnellan July 17th, 2008 All Ringside Boxing
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...
