By Mark Vester
Middleweight veteran Howard Eastman, training for his Dec. 8 showdown with John Duddy at King's Hall, told the Belfast Telegraph that he's fully focused on pulling off the upset. Eastman provided some tough moments for Bernard Hopkins, Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda, and he's irritated at the 4-1 odds against him.
"It's going to be a special night, it's my birthday and John Duddy is going to be defeated," said Eastman. "I'm looking for the route back to a world title fight and a win over Duddy is that route. That's why I'm here, I'm here to do the business."
According to many ringside observers, Eastman should have been awarded the decision over William Joppy in 2001, but instead he came up short with a close decision loss. He plans to take no chances when he meets Duddy.
"I know that I beat Joppy but didn't get the decision and I have to look to win every round against Duddy," Eastman said. "You've got a beautiful country here and I wish I could have come in earlier ... I'm looking forward to the King's Hall. They say it can be a hostile atmosphere but I'm a hostile person, I'm ready for that. I feel good and I hope John Duddy is coming to have a real fight and put on a real show."
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