Boxing Press Conference: Irish Ropes Promotions-John Duddy

ByJim Everett


© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

Irish Ropes Promotions hosted a press conference in New York City to announce their second show for 2007. “ Ireland ’s” John Duddy, coming off his recent victory over Anthony Bonsante, will headline the card against an opponent yet to be determined at the Beacon Theatre in New York City .

Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin promised that the show would have national appeal, “It is going to be a mixed kind of United Nations type of a card, we have people from Poland , Hawaii , Ireland and some other countries that we were just discussing this morning. It is a very mixed kind of national type of show.”

McLoughlin felt that this would probably be Duddy’s last fight in the United States this year, “After this fight, God willing and everything going well, we will head for Europe, this will probably be the last fight for John to be having here until the end of the year or even next year,” he said.

Irish Ropes has had several requests for Duddy to fight in Europe with a tentative date set for July 7 at the National Stadium in Ireland and possibly fight for a European title in late summer or early fall.


© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

John Duddy thanked Irish Ropes and the McLoughlins and then spoke briefly about the upcoming card. “Since it’s been close to the last one I haven’t really had time to get out of shape so I’m ready to go at the moment and looking forward to a great night. I’m looking forward to having the event at the Beacon Theatre,”

“It’s probably been more famous for concerts; I was lucky enough to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson there so hopefully I can lift the crowds’ volume to the heights of what those guys can do.”

The seven year old promotion company is currently in negotiations to have Maureen Shea added on the card. Shea commented that she was looking forward to once again following Duddy on this card. “The Irish fans have been wonderful and really supportive. My last fight I felt great, hopefully we’ll step it up to an 8 rounder this time.”

Shea hopes to be fighting for a title soon, “I found recently that I am ranked by the WBA #1 at Super Featherweight right now. Hopefully with my manager we will be looking for a title shot in the near future. I am very proud to not only represent my Irish-Mexican roots but to represent New York.


© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

“Hopefully after this fight we are in negotiations about possibly going out on the road and fighting nationally and then I will have my homecoming after that. I am really looking forward to fighting and being a part of this international card.”

A new addition to the Irish Ropes team is amateur standout Aloysius Kelly who will make his pro debut later this month. “I’m looking forward to this fight on April 26 and hopefully I will be 1-0 come May 18. I feel so honored to be on this card with John Duddy, coming over from Ireland . Thank you to Irish Ropes for this opportunity.”

Also scheduled on the card is Polish knockout sensation Pawel Wolak and unbeaten Peter Quillin. Wolak promised to be ready for the fight and put on a great show, “I am going to put in the hard work for this fight. Expect fireworks come May 18 because I’m gonna’ bring “em.”


© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing