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Former European super bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne has been hit with a change of opponent ahead of his headline appearance on the Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar on November 15.
Dunne had been set to face Eduardo Garcia but the Mexican has been forced to pull out after suffering a bad cut in sparring for the fight. Stepping in to replace Garcia is another world rated contender in the shape of Cristian “El Terrible” Faccio. The Uruguayan is the reigning WBC Latino bantamweight champion and ranked number 11 in the world while Dunne is listed at number 24 at super bantamweight by the same organisation.
Faccio is a noted puncher with 11 of his 16 wins having come inside the distance and seven of those coming inside the first two rounds. The 25-year-old is fresh off a first round KO late last month, his first fight since losing out in a bid for Hozumi Hasegawa’s WBC bantamweight title in Japan earlier this year.
Promoter Brian Peters believes Dunne will have to be extra careful against the South American puncher. “It’s unfortunate that Garcia is out but we had Faccio on standby and it was important that we were able to secure another world rated fighter for Bernard,” said Peters. “We’ve seen a couple of his fights and he’s very aggressive and can clearly bang but he can also be vulnerable himself so it should make for an exciting fight.”
Faccio has promised to derail Dunne’s world title ambitions. “I’ve seen Bernard Dunne’s defeat to Martinez so I know he can be hit and hurt,” said “El Terrible”. “I’m a very big puncher and if I catch Dunne it will be like the Martinez fight all over again.”
An action packed supporting lineup is headed by local hero Henry “The Western Warrior” Coyle who faces Birmingham’s Delroy “Sweet D” Mitchell in what will be Coyle’s first ever scheduled ten rounder. Lurgan welterweight Stephen Haughian will be out for revenge when he goes up against Giamario Grassellini for the second time. The Italian inflicted the first defeat of Haughian’s pro career last December when he successfully defended his IBF Intercontinental title in Belfast courtesy of a split decision.
Also in action is Galway born welterweight prospect John O’Donnell, as he looks to continue his impressive recent form. Tyrone’s Damian Taggart also features alongside Irish – Canadian lightweight prospect Logan McGuinness while Brendan Ingle’s latest protégé, Steve Barnes, makes his pro debut.
Tickets for the Hunky Dorys Fight Night are on sale from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
