Boxing In New York: Duddy Returns From Ireland To Fight Smichet At MSG

ByBoxing Press

Unbeaten world middleweight title contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy has returned from his native Emerald Isle to his adopted Big Apple home in Queens to fight in New York City for the first time since last May, taking on Walid “Temperate de Sable” Smichet (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in the 10-round, off-TV co-feature February 23 on the heavyweight champion unification show, headlined by IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko against WBO title-holder Sultan Ibragimov, at Madison Square Garden.

Closing in on a world title fight in 2008, Duddy (23-0, 17 KOs) is rated No. 3 by the WBO and WBC, as well as No. 6 and No. 11 by the WBA and IBF, respectively, and No. 10 in The Ring magazine.

Duddy is coming off of three consecutive fights in Ireland, highlighted by his most notable victory to date in December, when he won a 10-round decision against former 2-time world title challenger Howard Eastman.

Smichet is a tough Tunisian fighting out of Montreal. His most notable win was a 10th round knockout of previously unbeaten (17-0) Matt O’Brien for the Canadian Middleweight Interim Title. Smichet also fought an eight-round draw against Donny McCrary of The Contender III fame.

“We’re coming down the stretch for the ultimate prize in boxing,” Duddy’s promoter (Irish Ropes president) Eddie McLoughlin said, “the middleweight championship of the world, maybe right after this fight. John hasn’t fought in New York City since May and, as great as it was for John to fight in Ireland, there’s something special about him fighting in New York City.

“He cut his teeth with New York City fans and they immediately warmed to him. They’re the real deal. I know John’s excited to be fighting back at Madison Square Garden. Duddy’s fight won’t be televised so the only way to see him fight February 23rd is to buy a ticket and be there in Madison Square Garden.”

Undefeated New York City middleweights “Mean” Joe Greene (17-0) and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (15-0) are on the Klitschko-Ibragimov card.

Tickets, priced at $1,000.00, $600.00, $300.00, $200.00 and $100.00, are on sale at the following locations: Manhattan: Demsey’s, 36th W. 33rd (212.629.9899); Queens: Elaine’s Deli, 65 Pl. Maspeth, Fiddlers Irish Pub, 65 Pl. Maspeth, Connelly’s Corner, Grand Ave. Maspeth, Hill Tap Bar, Grand Ave. Maspeth, Doyle’s Corner, Broadway Astoria; Woodside: Starting Gate, Sean Og’s, Saints & Sinners, Gaslight; Sunnyside: McGuinnesses, Maggie Mays; Yonkers: Bronx Heritage, McLean Ave. (914.766.7532); Brooklyn: Gleason’s Gym, 75 Front St. (718.797.2872); Pearl River: Gildea’s Bar & Restaurant (845.735.2564), South Bound Café (845.735.2903); Long Island: Poor House, Hemstead Turnpike (516.859.8780).