Duddy on brink of world title fight

MIDDLEWEIGHT fighter John Duddy goes into this Saturday night's bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior in San Antonio, Texas, knowing victory would give him his crack at the world title.

The 30-year-old's father Michael who travelled to the States yesterday (Tuesday) believes his son's time has come and the rewards if he's victorious can be great.

"This is the big chance we have been waiting for because we know if John wins he'll get his crack at a world title," said Michael.

"But we have been here before and to get two chances of getting a shot at a world title is great.

"Although I'm his father, I really have to say that if he does win and gets his shot at a world title, then he's one fella who really does deserve a big pay-day."

The fight, which unfortunately won't be shown live on television in the UK but will be available on the internet, takes place in Chavez Junior's own back-yard, but Michael doesn't think that will effect John.

Duddy has managed to get his career back on track following his shock defeat to Billy Lyell last year - which derailed his imminent world title match up against the then champion Kelly Pavlik - with three victories in quick succession against Minchi Munoz, Juan Astorga and most recently Michael Medina, having teamed up with former trainer, Harry Kiett for a second time.

Michael is confident Kiett and his team will have the low down on Chavez Junior and he also knows that his son is in prime physical and mental condition for the bout.

"John knows he's going into Chavez Junior's back-yard and he's the underdog, but that doesn't bother him, because he has fought in more famous venues and all the pressure is on Chavez Junior.

"John has been in his training camp for the last six or seven weeks and I know there will be no stone left unturned from John's camp and they'll have a game plan on how to win the fight."

Michael also confirmed that although the Mexican will start the contest as favourite, the American media and fight fans are already starting to change their mind.

"Having seen a few things on the internet I can see that a few people are starting to change their mind on who is favourite to win, but because Chavez Junior is fighting on his home turf so to speak, he'll start the fight as favourite, but that won't bother John at all."

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