TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS – ONE NIGHT!

COTTO & PAVLIKTWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS – ONE NIGHT!

Saturday, February 21, 2009Live on Pay-Per-View

“IRELAND’S” JOHN DUDDY and ANTHONY PETERSON HIGHLIGHT COTTO vs. JENNINGS GARDEN PARTY! UNDEFEATED CONTENDERS’

FIGHTS WILL BEFEATURED ON PAY-PER-VIEW BROADCAST
NEW YORK, NY (January 27, 2009) – Undefeated Top-Five contenders “Ireland’s” JOHN DUDDY and ANTHONY PETERSON will light it up in separate bouts at Madison Square Garden, headlining the undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Michael Jennings / Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik vs. Marco Antonio Rubio two-city / two-title pay-per-view extravaganza.

Duddy will go mano-a-mano with MATT “The Predator” VANDA and Peterson will rumble with EDNER “Cherry Bomb” CHERRY, in 10-round middleweight and lightweight bouts, respectively.

Together, these four warriors boast a combined record of 116-14-2 (70 KOs ) – a winning percentage of 88%.

Two title fights in two different towns on one pay-per-view broadcast! This event is so big, both Michael Buffer and Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will be introducing the main events from New York and Youngstown, respectively.

Spectators at The Garden will be able to see the live broadcast of the Pavlik-Rubio fight. Spectators at the Chevrolet Centre will be able to see the live broadcast of the Cotto-Jennings fight.

Promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, the Cotto-Pavlik doubleheader will take place Saturday, February 21 and will be broadcast Live on Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Remaining tickets to the Madison Square Garden event , priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, can be purchased at the Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or online at http://www.thegarden.com/.

Remaining tickets to the Chevrolet Centre event, priced at $500, $300, and $200 can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, Retail Locations, including Giant Eagle and Macy’s, or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or (866) 448-7849. Tickets are also available at the Chevrolet Centre Box Office. Additional fees may be applicable. There will be a ticket limit of eight (8) per customer.

Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs), from Derry, Ireland, is a huge fan favorite at The Garden drawing tens of thousands to the “Mecca of Boxing” throughout his five-year professional career. The former WBC Continental Americas middleweight champion boasts victories over former world champion Yory Boy Campas and two-time world title contender Howard Eastman.

Currently world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Duddy’’s aggressive, hard-hitting style has not only made for exciting fights but has also developed a very strong following on both sides of the Atlantic, drawing capacity crowds in New York, Boston, Dublin and Belfast. Vanda (39-8, 22 KOs ), from St. Paul , Minn. , is a 12-year battle-tested veteran who has never taken a step backward in the ring.

Known as “The Predator” for the way he hunts down his opponents in the ring before finishing them off, less than half the opponents Vanda has vanquished have gone the distance. He is a former International Boxing Association Americas junior middleweight champion, won via an exciting 12-round split decision over former world champion Yory Boy Campas. Famous for his trademark upper body tattoos, Vanda returns to the ring on the heels of an exciting two-fight series against undefeated contender Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

Peterson (28-0, 19 KOs ), from Washington , D.C. , is a rising star within the lightweight division. Currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBC and WBO and No. 6 by the IBF, Peterson, 23, returns to the ring on the heels of an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over former world lightweight champion Javier Jauregui in a fast-paced fight that not only showed how far Peterson has progressed since his professional debut in 2004, but also displayed his aggressive style, boxing skills and punching power.

A former North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion, he became the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion last June, winning a dominating 12-round unanimous decision over gritty veteran Fernando Trejo.

Cherry ( 24-6-2 , 12 KOs ), from Nassau , Bahamas , has held NABF and North American Boxing Association (NABA) lightweight titles. Known for his aggressive style and as a pressure style fighter, Cherry, 26, has a collection of impressive victories on his resume including Monty Meza-Clay, Daniel Alcea, Wes Ferguson and Marco Perez.

Currently world-rated No. 10 by the WBC, Cherry returns to the ring fresh from his first world title challenge, where he moved up in weight and lost a 12-round decision to undefeated WBC super lightweight champion Timothy Bradley, Jr. last September. The Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. For Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio fight week updates, log on to http://www.toprank.com/.

"Duddy is King of the Castle"

Ohioins wobble but they don’t fall down, despite several brutal attacks along the ropes by John Duddy, somehow Charles Howe managed to stay on his feet to take the fight the full distance. Picture Neil McDaid

“The King of the Castle”
By Neil McDaid

Boston, Ma. June 28, 2008. John Duddy was back in the greater Boston area this past weekend for the Irish Ropes Promotions’ “Hassle in the Castle”. It was only the third time that the very popular Derry boxer has fought in the greater Boston area, and once again he did not disappoint.
Duddy headlined a five bout card, taking on the 25th opponent of his pro career. On this night John would face off with Charlie Howe at center ring, Howe fighting out of Grelton, Ohio was coming into this matchup with a record of 17 wins, 4 losses and 2 draws.
The venue was the Park Castle in downtown Boston. John Duddy had taking victory #15 in this very building back in 2006 over a tough Julio Jean. Despite reporting on most of John’s fights to date, I am still in awe at the reception that he receives as he makes his way to the ring. Granted this was not Madison Square Garden, but the atmosphere in the Castle that was filled to capacity was just electric.



Duddy has been vocal in his disappointment with how some in the media reported his last fight as if he had lost, even though he still has a perfect record. With his new trainer in tow, Duddy would make his way to the ring with clear intentions of getting back on track, and therefore erasing any question about his ability or commitment.
Duddy has spent the past few month in Florida with his new trainer Pat Burns. Burns has been working with John to try and break him of his tendency to get into unnecessary brawls which have been a trademark in his last few fights.
As the rounds got underway Duddy looked more composed, more settled in the ring. He did not have the same urgency to get his opponent on the canvas in the first minute. He was more calculated, yet nonetheless devastating in his delivery. In the weeks leading up to this fight, with limited information or video on Charlie Howe many people, myself included, thought he was lined up as an easy mark for Duddy. How wrong we all were. Charlie Howe came to Boston to fight. Although Duddy had the edge on Howe early Charlie would not back away, nor had he any intention of lying down.
For the first time in many fights Duddy was working his jab. He still had the tendency to hold his head forward but Howe could not really take advantage as Duddy bobbed and weaved showing great improvement in his defensive posture. Howe would find himself on the ropes often throughout the fight; Duddy pounding Charlie with everything in the Derry man’s arsenal. Round after round there was a trend forming of Howe being saved by the bell. I must have counted 5 times throughout the fight were Howe had no legs, but miraculously he managed to hang in for the bell each time.
Howe had his moments along the way landing a few hard shots to the head of Duddy. On several occasions he had Duddy covered up in a defensive posture. Howe often tried to find his way in with big overhead rights often hitting Duddy on the back of the head. Duddy did a better job in this fight to avoid eating flush shots to the head, and never seemed to be in trouble with any of the big shots Howe connected with.
Duddy almost got through this fight without a cut until an accidental clash of heads in the ninth opened a nice gash on John’s right eye. He managed to get through the round so his corner could take care of the damage. Notably missing from John’s corner this outing was big George Mitchell, who has been John’s cut man for the past few years. Mitchell can certainly take much credit for keeping John in many previous fights with his magically corner repairs.



Showing the marks from the destroyer’s gloves, Charlie Howe was gracious in defeat; he had managed to stay standing despite some massive attacks from Duddy. Picture Neil McDaid

In the end it was Duddy all the way. The judges at ringside scored the bout 100-90; 100-90; 100-90. With that, John claimed his 25th pro victory. Howe was a gentleman in defeat. Despite the loss he proved to all in attendance that he had no fear and that he possessed a chin as tough as Rockall.

After taking victory number 25, the question now is, where to next Mr. Duddy, seen here flanked by the team that will guide his next move, [L to R] long time corner-man Orlando Carrasquillo, John Duddy, his new trainer Pat Burns, Nutritionist Joseph Burns, and match-maker Jim Burzell. Picture Neil McDaid

The question now on everyone’s mind is, “where

to next Mr. Duddy?” Since missing his golden chance at the coveted middleweight title against Kelly Pavlik, the middleweight landscape has changed greatly.
At this point in time it seems unlikely that Pavlik’s promoter Bob Arum will pass on some of the potential big fight opportunities that have been tossed around in the past few weeks for his man. Names like that of Sergio Mora, super middleweight Joe Calzaghe, the impressive German Arthur Abraham and not to mention Bernard Hopkins and “Winky” Wright are all waiting for a big payday. They would all seem to offer a bigger payday over a fight with John Duddy. But hold a second, that’s about as long as it takes for things to change in boxing. John Duddy has mass appeal; his is the classic gentleman boxer, adored by many.

“Mobbed” After taking victory #25 John Duddy is mobbed by his adoring fans as he makes his way back to the dressing rooms. Picture Neil McDaid

The general consensus in boxing is that John Duddy would be no match for Kelly Pavlik at this point in time, but one has to ask, if not now when? Can John really get much better? Granted it would be a great payday for John, although no one wants to see him get seriously injured. Everyone agrees that John will give it his all and maybe, just maybe, that might be enough on the night.

The sweet taste of victory, John Duddy gets ready to do a victory lap around the ring to thank the many fans that turned out to see the man from Derry city fight. This was only the third time that Duddy showed his stuff in the greater Boston area. Picture: Neil McDaid

A more promising, yet less lucrative direction was offered by Pat Burns after the fight. He is suggesting that John should move down in weight and opt to go after the likes of a junior middleweight belt. Nothing has been set in stone at this point; we expect to hear more from Irish Ropes on Duddy’s next move in the coming weeks.

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Undercard Action
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Other notables for the Irish were Donny “Boy” Orr an Irish–Canadian who took a unanimous decision over Roberto “EL Viejo” Valenzuela in eight rounds.

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Mark Clancy by way of County Clare Ireland, lands a wicked left to the head of the wily Salah Zabian from Lee Ma. Clancy had this fight in the bag from the opening bell, landing some hard shots that sent his opponent onto the ropes many times. Picture Neil McDaid

Cruiserweight Mark Clancy of Doolin, Co Clare, now fighting out of Boston, improved his record to 8-0-1 by out boxing a wily Salah Zabian. Zabian was billed as a “cagey veteran.” He is definitely a unique character which I am sure has frustrated all 16 opponents he has meet throughout his pro career. Despite Zabian’s in ring antics, Clancy managed to track him down and unleashed some brutal attacks. Several times Zabian seemed ready to kiss the canvas, but he would get a burst of energy and lunge forward at Clancy. The bout would go the full distance of 6 rounds, with Clancy easily taking each round.

Still unbeaten Mark Clancy celebrates his victory with his friend John Dunlevy, John who is also a champion in the martial arts has lead Mark into the ring on many occasions carrying the Irish flag. Picture: Neil McDaid

"Hassle In The Castle"

Duddy vs. Howe headlines Saturday night’s
“Hassle In The Castle” pro boxing show in Boston

Boston Ma. (June 25, 2008) – The return of unbeaten world middleweight title contender “Ireland’s” John Duddy to Boston highlights Saturday night’s (June 28) “Hassle In The Castle,” presented by Irish Ropes Promotions, at The Castle.

Duddy (24-0, 17 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBC and WBO, faces Charles Howe (17-4-2, 9 KOs), in the 10-round main event. The tough hearted fighter from Galliagh in Derry will look to wipe clean the memory of his last fight. John has a growing fan base in Boston, where he has fought twice in the past and served as a television color analyst in the past.

For Duddy this could prove to be an important fight in that if he at all struggles with Charles Howe John’s chances of getting a title shot anytime soon will vanish. Howe is an unknown entity who has only fought a few times outside of his native Ohio. Nonetheless, boxing has often taught us, never underestimate the underdog. Charles Howe will be looking to make a name for himself much like Walid Smichet did back in February, when he shocked all including Duddy at Madison Square Garden as he knocked a bit of the shine off the Derryman.

Howe is coming off a loss in his last fight against Joey Gilbert for the WBC USNBC Middleweight title last August in Las Vegas. Duddy fight fans will be expecting big things from John in his return to Boston, a kickback to the explosive knockout style in which Duddy took out Lenord Pierre would go over very well.

The 8-round co-feature pits a pair of middleweights, 2000 Canadian Olympian Donald Orr (12-0, 5 KOs), now fighting out of South Boston, against former Mexican Pacific Coast champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (44-37-2, 37 KOs)

Two-time U.S. National amateur champion Edwin Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), of Worcester (MA), takes on dangerous Hector Hernandez (10-2-2, 4 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

Also on the undercard in a pair of 6-rounders, Boston by way of Ireland cruiserweight Mark Clancy (7-0-1, 1 KO), 4-time Irish National amateur finalist, meets Salah Zabian (6-10, 4 KOs), of Lee (MA), while Lynn (MA) junior welterweight Simeon Dunwell (7-0, 2 KOs) squares off against Aaron Drake (13-6, 9 KOs). Anthony Accardo (1-0, 1 KO) fights Broderick Antoine (2-5-1, 1 KO) in a 4-round match. All bouts and fighters are subject to change.

Picture©Neil McDaid.

Andy Lee Stopped in the 7th

Fight promoter Lisa Elovich of Pugnacious Promotions, awaits the arrival of Andy Lee to the ring with Irish fight fans, Darrell Doyle and Seamus Faircliff. Photo/ Neil McDaid.

Report and photos by Neil Mc Daid
Uncasville, CT, March 21, 2008 - Andy Lee, the highly touted middleweight from Limerick, Ireland was handed the first defeat of his professional career by the gloves of a hard brawling Texan, Brian Vera, thus dropping Lee to 15-1-0.
Born in London, this son of Irish emigrants from Limerick moved to Ireland at the age of fourteen with his family. Following the lead of his elder brothers, Lee found himself in the gym at an early age. As an amateur, Lee competed as a middleweight. He would claim a silver medal at the 2002 Junior World Championships in Santiago de Cuba.
Lee qualified to represent Ireland at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. With an impressive showing at the Olympics, Lee caught the attention of renowned trainer/manager Emanuel Steward. Lee moved to the USA and now resides in Detroit fighting out of Steward’s Kronk GYM.
Lee came into Friday’s fight, coming off an impressive victory, in February, over Alejandro Gustavo Falliga, a fight that was held at the University Arena in Limerick. Lee was a standout favorite over Brian Vera for this nationally televised match carried live on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights. Vera’s greatest recognition to date was his appearance on the TV reality show “The Contender” where Vera recorded his only loss in 15 fights to Jaidon Codrington.
Stepping through the ropes, Lee seemed surprisingly relaxed, smiling and gesturing to the cheering Irish fans in the crowd and chatting with Steward. It seemed that Lee had little concern for Vera.

Andy Lee rocks Vera in the first round and eventually sends the Texan to the canvas. Photo/Neil McDaid

Lee would start the first round utilizing his advantages over the smaller Vera, keeping the brawler at bay, looking for his opening. Lee launched a hard right-left combination to the head of Vera that wobbled the Texan. Lee would continue the hunt and would again find an opening, this time sending Vera back onto the canvas. Vera would get to his feet quickly, but still took the referee’s count in his corner.
Into the second Lee would continue to work his long jab, often followed by some hard counter shots to the head of the Texan, Lee neglected to work the body, a mistake he would pay for later in the rounds. Nonetheless, Vera would not back down, often coming forward working his way in past the long reach of Lee. Vera would eventually find his target landing several flush shots of his own to head of the Irishman.
Into the third and fourth rounds, with both fighters not backing down, Lee still held a very slight advantage over Vera on the judges’ cards.
Towards the end of the fourth it would be Vera that would draw first blood, opening a cut on the right eye of Lee with a beautiful right hook. Seeing blood, Vera stepped up the pace and continued to pursue Lee around the ring.
Into the fifth, Vera now sensed that he had knocked the Irishman off his game plan. It was clear that he was looking to end the fight as quickly as possible. Vera’s persistent badgering of Lee seemed to be paying off as the fight entered the sixth round; Lee looked very tired. Throughout the round Vera would back Lee into a corner and let loose, but Lee would often find a way out.
As the bell rang for the seventh round, the Limerick man that stepped forward to center ring was clearly winged. He was now holding his right arm lower than previous rounds, had cuts on both eyes and was bleeding from the mouth. The end seemed near. This was quickly proving to be Lee’s toughest fight to date.

Showing the toll of this hard battle himself, a slowing Vera would try with all his might to keep the pressure on Lee. He would again force Andy into the corner, his back against the ropes. Vera would give it his all, throwing everything he had at the wounded Lee. Somehow Lee stayed on his feet. Digging deep Lee managed to return fire, but it was too little too late. Referee Tony Chiarantano stepped in and stopped the fight.

Chiarantano’s decision to stop the fight drew boos and jeers from the crowd and from some at ring side but, in my opinion, it was justified and could have been stopped several seconds sooner. Although Andy did throw the last shot in the fight, from my vantage point at ringside it was clear that Andy was not defending himself while trapped in the corner. He took some big unanswered shots to the head from Vera.
Before being taken for stitches and a Cat scan after the fight, Lee commented on the fight, "Vera's a tough guy. He was strong. I thought I could continue but it's the referee's decision. He hit me too much." Andy also seemed very disappointed in his own lack of discipline and continued, “Credit to him [Vera], he drew me into a fight. It was my own fault. I didn't listen to (my trainer) Emanuel (Steward).”
Standing by his fighter’s side, Steward was already looking ahead, "Andy wanted to fight him too much. He stayed on the inside too much, trying to fight him and he got tagged. It happens. "We're already trying to set up a rematch in July. Andy just made a mistake. He let Vera turn it into a brawl."
Andy Lee had been scheduled to appear on the undercard of the Kelly Pavlik Vs Gary Lockett in Atlantic City on June 7th. By all accounts a rematch between Lee and Vera is already well underway, it’s not out of the question that they would meet on this date. There is little question that Lee has the right stuff, but much like his fellow Irishman John Duddy he will just have to be better prepared to adjust when faced with a brawler.