Thread: Verno Phillips vs. John Duddy In Oct.

For Vernos 154lb IBF tiltle. I think Duddy is making a huge mistake trying to go after the smaller, older man thinking its the easiest way to a world title. Phillips is probably the toughest fighter in the division even at 38 and he no stranger to being an underdog and pulling of upsets. Duddy maybe a little weight drained at 154 and dont be surprised if Verno lands more right hands than Smichet did.

Smart move for Duddy as he was always a small middleweight.


Duddy needs to hone his skill and what better way to do that than vs the junior division?

Verno is still a live body and a solid fighter...but I would really fear for Duddy's well being if he set foot in the ring vs Pavlik or Abraham at this point in time...if he was able to fight Sturm I may feel different but that's not the case.


I think Duddy could be a very strong fighter at 154 but it depends on how easy he can maintain that weight...I mean who else is there to really whip his ass?? And even better there are guys he can fight and have very good fights with: Karmazin, Forrest, Mora, Spinks, Julio, Alcine, Yuri Foreman....Duddy can compete with those guys and more power to him for making this choice

Originally Posted by BoomBoom

For Vernos 154lb IBF tiltle. I think Duddy is making a huge mistake trying to go after the smaller, older man thinking its the easiest way to a world title. Phillips is probably the toughest fighter in the division even at 38 and he no stranger to being an underdog and pulling of upsets. Duddy maybe a little weight drained at 154 and dont be surprised if Verno lands more right hands than Smichet did.

Hell Yeah!!!!!!!!!!Another split decision

Duddy has a chance

Duddy has a good chance in this one, it'll be intresting to see how he adjusts to the weight, he should be able out point Philips though

Great matchup for both men imo.

For Phillips I think Duddy is a great choice of opponent. His popularity means he'll probably sell out Madision Square Garden and Philips will make more money from this fight than he would fighting one of the other world champs like Alcine or Mora. Duddy is a big money spinner for Phillips and a beatable opponent. Great choice.

For Duddy, Phillips represents a world title shot, and realistically probably his best chance to pick up a belt. Mora is probably too slick and Duddy has frankly no chance against Pavlik or Abraham at 160 lbs.

There's not really much of a downside for Duddy either imo, if he were to lose then he could always blame the weight and move back up, plus he's such a popular fighter with the Irish Americans that a loss won't do much to harm his career. People know he's not a world beater, but like Gatti he's exciting, has a ton of heart and a fanbase that just love to see him fight and support their Irish hero.

It's a win win for both fighters imo.

Actually not a bad post by Bilbo

I would still pick Verno in this one actually, Duddy's just too open to being hit. I guess he could outwork Verno though.