MightyGloves.com

John Duddy...A Real Gem

posted by Kathleen Holland on May 18, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

The Emerald Isle is known for the Blarney Stone, Irish Linen, Irish Eyes that Smile, and Guinness Beer but one of their greatest gems to cross over the ocean to the US has to be John Duddy, Middleweight challenger ( 24-0-0) 17KOs.

John Duddy is one of my favorite boxers of today. I have patiently waited for an opportunity to speak with him for some time and was ecstatic when I finally was given that chance. John was everything I expected and a little bit more.

From his gentlemanly manner to his classic Irish brogue and his sharp sense of humor which definitely kept me on my toes. It was a true pleasure to speak with John.

This was also one of the most intense interviews I have ever conducted. John threw some quick jabs into the mix of questions that were asked and we also encountered some verbal sparing along the way but I didn't go down. LOL

It's easy to see why John Duddy's mission is to simply keep moving forward in his weight division and ranking up W's in the win column on his boxing record. He is a hard working and dedicated fighter and very easy on the eyes. Let's talk with John Duddy:

JA Thanks for taking the time to speak to me John.
What is your reaction to your last fight?
JD I won and am looking forward to the next one.

JA How is your injury coming along?
JD Everything is healing ok. I'm ready to fight again and will be preparing for a fight sometime in June.

JA How is training going?
JD very well. My trainer is putting me threw my paces.

JA There was some talk about you fighting Kelly Pavlik before your last fight but those plans fell through. Was that disappointing for you?
JD No. I'm just looking forward to my next opponent.

JA What is your favorite part of training?
JD The end of it.

JA What is your least favorite part?
JD The beginning.

JA What will you be doing differently in your next fight?
JD Not to get hurt as much.

JA How important are your fans in your success?
JD Very important. They give me encouragement so that I give them a good show.

JA Who would you like to fight in your division?
JD Everyone. I 'd just like to keep fighting and keep winning.

JA Who is your hero?
JD Me Dad and Mom.

JA What is your boxing style?
JD I have power in both hands. I'm offensive minded. I also have a warrior like spirit.

JA What do you think of women's boxing?
JD It's the same sport as the men's. I respect them for the sacrifices they have to go threw in order to fight.

JA Do you think some of today's boxers are spoiled and pampered?
JD No. They work hard like everyone else. That's a bad question.
JA Why?
JD Because boxing is a hard sport. Do you think some boxers are pampered?
JA Maybe.
JD Who?
JA Not telling.

JA Who are some fighters you admire?
JD Ali, Robinson, Jersey Joe, and Dempsey. I'm a fan as well as a fighter.

JA Are there any misconceptions of you in the media?
JD They think they know me but they don't.

JA So who is the real John Duddy?
JD He's quiet.
JA Are you shy?
JD I'm not saying I'm to shy.
JA LOL

JA Do you consider yourself a bully?
JD No. Opponents come looking for me.

JA Do you think boxing is violent?
JD A fight is an act of violence. Doesn't that say it all.

JA What is your most memorable fight so far?
JD My last fight. Because it was in MSG and I won.

JA Favorite color?
JD Black

JA Favorite food?
JD Italian (pasta)

JA What is your greatest asset in boxing?
JD Me fans.

JA 3 words to describe you:
JD Gorgeous ( just kidding)
JA But you are.
JD very private, a good heart and humble.

JA Best part of your body?
JD It's not really a part but I would say my determination.

JA How do you relax?
JD Reading, playing guitar, spending time with friends. Nothing that has to do with boxing.

JA What makes you special?
JD I don't find I'm special. I'm the same as everyone else. I'm a fighter that's what I do.

JA What are you afraid of?
JD Being lonely.

JA What has made you a success in boxing?
JD There are different kinds od success. I don't feel I'm as successful as I can be yet. I'm working towards that goal now.

JA Do you see a difference between American and European fighters?
JD The Europeans tend to go through a lot of amateur fights where as Americans go pro early. I came here for the knowledge.

JA Do you use your handsome looks to your advantage in boxing?
JD I haven't earned one thing from my looks. Do you think I could?
JA Oh yes.
JD I think you're the only one who thinks I'm handsome.
JA I don't think so.
JD Are their ugly boxers?
JA Not saying. Why do I feel like I'm sparring rounds with you? LOL
JD I don't know.
JA I'm not going down.
JD You sound like Rocky. I'm better looking than Rocky.
JA LOL
JD My boxing is what really matters.
JA True

JA What does your Fiance think of you boxing?
JD She accepts me for it 100 percent win, lose or draw. I wouldn't be here in the US if it wasn't for her. She gave up her job to come with me to America.

JA What was her reaction to your last fight?
JD She didn't like it. But she isn't naive about boxing she knows boxing can be bloody.

JA DO you consider yourself a dangerous boxer?
JD that would be a good question for my opponent.

JA What would it mean to you to be World Champ some day?
JD It would mean I'm as good as I want to be.

JA How important is your team to your success>
JD Very important. You have an unwritten trust. Your putting yourself in their hands. I commit myself 100 percent to them.

JA How can we improve boxing?
JD Make it more available for the fans. The prices of tickets and PPV are to high for many average boxing fans today. Also to have an undisputed heavyweight champ. The fans love a heavyweight.

JA Any thoughts in closing?
JD Thank you. This was more entertaining than other interviews.
JA Thank you for the interview.

I would also like to thank Bob Trieger and Kathy Holland for making this interview possible.

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