Promoter Brian Peters believes that Wayne McCullough is still some way from a crack at newly crowned WBA World Super Bantamweight champion, Bernard Dunne. McCullough sent an open letter to Dunne yesterday challenging him to put his new title on the line against him in an all Irish World title fight. However with McCullough just months away from his 39th birthday and coming off 3 straight defeats Peters thinks it’s a match that’s a long way from reality..
“Wayne’s a good friend and he’s been a great servant to Irish boxing as well as a great world champion,” said Peters. “However he hasn’t won a fight since 2004 so he really would need to put together a few good wins including a win over a ranked contender before it could be considered a viable fight.”
Peters says that no firm decisions have been made yet with regard to Bernard’s next fight and all options are currently being explored. “At the moment Bernard is taking a well earned break and enjoying his success. It was an incredible fight and an incredible night and we’re certainly not short of options now.
“As I said after the fight the world is his oyster and there are all kinds of avenues open to us now. It’s a case of taking our time and working out what the best move is but we certainly won’t rush into anything.”
“Obviously now that Bernard’s become a World Champion he’s in a very strong position. The dream fight would be a big Las Vegas showdown with Israel Vazquez. He’s currently sidelined with a few long term injuries but is considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport.
“It’s a clash Bernard would relish as he sparred Vazquez day in, day out as a young pro when he was out in Los Angeles and I think those sparring sessions proved to a lot of people that Bernard had what it takes to reach the very top of the sport.
“You also have guys like Celestino Caballero calling Bernard out. He says he’d be willing to come to Ireland so right now there are a lot of options to consider including the possibility of a voluntary defence for Bernard at home in Dublin.”
Peters has also warned of an even scarier prospect for the World’s super bantamweights.
“I still believe we’ve yet to see the best of Bernard Dunne, he proved last Saturday night that he belongs up there with the legends of Irish sport and I still think there is more to come from him over the next few years.”
Open Letter To Bernard Dunne from Wayne McCullough
Bernard,
Congratulations on your great win at the weekend – you deserve it. You’ve worked hard to get where you are today. Being able to come back from the 5th round to pull out the win, while being so far behind on the cards, is an accomplishment in itself.
Doesn’t it feel good to be a World Champion?!? I’m really delighted for you. And being able to fight for the belt in front of your hometown fans is fantastic too.
But let’s get down to business!
When I sat down with you in Dublin in January – while I was there for the UFC fights – I mentioned that we should fight whether you won or lost because this is a match up the fans want to see.
Since the weekend I’ve had dozens of emails from our fans saying we need to fight as it would be the biggest event in Irish history.
So Bernard what do you say? Let’s get this done. I don’t have a promoter so the fight can be made easily – if you and your team want it! I’m an over the hill old man so I’m not going to be much of a threat to you!!!
I know you’ve said in the past that you won’t fight me because I’m your “hero” but Oscar de la Hoya fought Julio Cesar Chavez who was his hero. So that shouldn’t be an excuse.
Not since 1962 when Johnny Caldwell and Freddie Gilroy fought, have 2 guys from the same country fighting in the same weight class at the same time been able to meet at this level.
We don’t have to fight for your belt but that would be a bonus. You’re a world champion and no-one can ever take that away from you, so what do you have to lose? Anyway when I beat you, the belt is going to stay with an Irishman!!!
I have cemented my legacy in boxing and fought the best along the way. Right now, you are the champion and I’m sure you too will want to prove that you are the best. To be the best, you have to beat the best. So fight me!
I believe in my confidence, chin, talent and heart that I have what it takes to defeat you. Can you say the same thing?
Enjoy your success, Bernard. I’m proud of you!!
Your friend, Wayne McCullough