05.11.05 – By Joseph Carlo Russo: Amidst an era of a rather dissatisfying middleweight division containing many good fighters but few good fights there emerges a prospect who evidences hints of it’s once glorious roots. With power, potential, and tremendous heart John Duddy has abruptly taken boxing’s prospect scene by storm. Since embarking on the journey from Ireland to The United States, the heavy handed John Duddy has racked up 11 KO’s on 12 wins, which have all been nothing short of impressive. And November 4th served to be no different.
Upon making his way to the ring to the sound of bagpipes and never once letting his eyes wander you could practically taste Duddy’s determination. He knew it was his time to shine before a full house hometown crowd, many sporting green apparel and bearing Irish flags.
The fight started out competitive with both Duddy and his opponent Bryon Mackie landing clean blows. But it wasn’t long before the skill level between these two diminished as Duddy caught Mackie with a straight right, which sent him to the canvas in the first round.
In the third round, it was then a series of uppercuts that sent the game Bryon Mackie down for the second time. Upon getting up Mackie exhibited true heart as he tried to wage an onslaught against the clearly superior John Duddy. Come the fourth round, Duddy’s cumulative punishment had settled in and he did not hesitate to capitalize on it. A series of body shots concluded by a left hook to the body ended the fight at 1:32 of the fourth round as John Duddy enhanced his record to 13-0 (12 KOs).
Fellow Irishman of Duddy’s, James Moore scored an impressive third round knockout of Manji Conteh as he demonstrated good combinations and significant power, similar to that of his countryman. And Takalani N’Dlovu defeated Armando Guererro via decision to capture the IBO Bantamweight title.
In other action Bronx, NY’s Jorge “The Truth” Teron showcased his talent as he bulldozed Terrance Thomas en route to a spectacular third round TKO. Upon catching up with the classy Jorge Teron after the fight he graded himself at a C- as he stated “There’s always room for improvement, so I don’t want to give myself an A+ before I’m a world champion. When I’m a world champion, then I’ll deserve an A+.”
However, one thing that does deserve an A+ was the entire night in total. Indeed, it was a great night of boxing in the greatest city in the world as fans witnessed excellent prospects, saw some bruising knockouts, and went home happy as John Duddy closed the show in style for the pro-Celtic crowd.