By Jonny Stapleton – Irish boxing legend Wayne McCullough has hit out at team Bernard Dunne claiming they are avoiding the Olympic Silver medallists and denying Irish fans a chance to witness one of the greatest ever all Ireland contest. McCullough has joined the long list of fighters trying to get a piece of Dunne since his defeat to Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym in March. However despite publicly calling out Dunne the American based puncher isn’t confident the bout will come off. The former WBC World Champion, who has never been knocked down or stopped in a professional bout, claims he has offered to fight friend Dunne on numerous occasions but has had his offer rescinded by both Dunne’s manager Peters and the Neilstown native himself.
There are those who believe The Pocket Rocket has done himself proud and should hang up his gloves and reflect back on his illustrious career..
McCullough, however has other ideas and is actively seeking a fight and would consider anyone ‘brave enough’ to take him on, including Irish Champions Paulie and Pajo Hyland, if the offer was right.
But it’s a fight with fellow former world champion, Dunne, McCullough really wants and he is disappointed by the Dubliners camps refusal to take him up on his fight offer.
“I want to fight Bernard Dunne. Everywhere I go it’s the fight people ask me about. Why not get it on. We are both former world champions. It is not often you get Irish world champions never mind two that could fight each other. It would be a massive Irish fight that would sell out anywhere,” McCullough said.
“Since he got knocked out Bernard is looking for an opponent and I am looking for a fight. It makes sense. Maybe they are afraid I will knock him out.”
McCullough may believe a bout between the two Irish legends makes sense but Brian Peters certainly does not. Dunne’s manager previously stated the 39 year old, who has not been in the ring since a 2008 defeat to Juan Ruiz, needed wins over ranked opponents before he would consider him as an opponent.
“Sometimes I think they forget what I did for them. Peters said I needed wins but Bernard is coming off a loss now he is a losing fighter. Bernard is a friend and I had coffee with him in January and offered to fight him no matter the out come of his upcoming world title shot. It isn’t about money for me. I love the game and this is a fight the fans want to see so lets do it.”
If, as is most likely, McCullough can’t get a clash with the Dublin Destroyer the Pocket Rocket is still hoping to re launch his career in 2010 and claims he would glove off against anybody.
“My wife, who is my manager, is actively looking for fights for me. I know my own body and I know I am more than able. These young guys out there are afraid to fight me. They know they would be in for a tough and long night. I know of the Hylands but I don’t know them personally but I would fight them for the Irish Title. I would fight anyone if the offer was right.”