Duddy Set For Spanish Conquest

The second wave of the latest Spanish armada is set to hit Irish shores next month when Pablo Navascues looks to upset John Duddy's European and World title ambitions.

Navascues' compatriot Kiko Martinez left Irish fight fans reeling with his smash and grab raid on Bernard Dunne last month and now its Duddy's turn to repel the Spanish invasion.

The two men clash on the next Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on Saturday, October 20th on the night of the "Celtic Tigers". Duddy - Navascues will headline the event with support from Irish middleweight champion, Matthew Macklin and undefeated light welterweight Paul McCloskey.

Navascues is the reigning Spanish light middleweight champion and has an excellent record of 25 wins and just one defeat. With 18 of his 25 wins coming via the short route he is clearly a major threat to the unbeaten Duddy.

The Madrid's native sole reversal came back in 2000 on a cuts defeat and his winning run since then has seen him surge into the European ratings. The 31-year-old believes a win over Duddy could be his ticket to major title contention.

Speaking from his training camp Navascues said, "I want to fight prestigious boxers like Duddy because I don't have time to waste in my career. I would like to fight for a major title early next year and this fight can help to get me there."

Navascues has followed Duddy's career Stateside but feels that his time on the European scene will be less fruitful. "Duddy is a good boxer with a lot of power in both hands.

"I admire what he has achieved in his career in the U.S. but Europe is different. Our records are similar and I'm sure that both of us will be at our best. I also think that our styles are quite similar and it will be an honour to beat him!"

The atmosphere at the National Stadium for Duddy's Irish professional debut in July was white hot and it's sure to be just as electric next month and Navascues is relishing the prospect.

"My only fight abroad was in Russia a long time ago and I won that by a second round knockout.

"I actually enjoy fighting away because I don't have the pressure of fighting in front of my own supporters."

Navascues country man Kiko Martinez stunned Irish fight fans last month and he says Duddy could be in for a similar shock. "I think Kiko Martinez was lucky because Dunne is a good boxer with a great future.

"I plan on the same outcome as Martinez but I won't need luck to do it, I will prove my ability against Duddy."

Tickets for the "Celtic Tigers" Hunky Dorys Fight Night at the National Stadium, Dublin on October 20th are priced from €50 and are available from Ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets.

For more information about John Duddy go to www.irishropes.com