By Mark Vester
Undefeated John Duddy (25-0, 17KOs) may be heading back to his roots. The fighting Irishman, who won a decision over Charles Howe on Saturday night in Boston, may be dropping down in weight to junior middleweight and targeting a September clash with IBF champion Verno Phillips (42-10, 21KOs).
For several of his early fights in 2003 and 2004, Duddy fought close to the junior middleweight limit, weighing in at 155-pounds. For some of his last few fights, including the bout with Howe, he weighed at an average of 158. Last October he weighed 157 1/2 for his bout with Prince Aaron.
Duddy's news trainer, Pat Burns, feels his new pupil might be fighting in the wrong weight class. He feels that Duddy is better suited for 154-pounds. Irish Ropes, who handle Duddy, have begun talks with Banner Promotions, who handle Phillips, for a possible September bout. Sergio Mora, another undefeated middleweight, recently dropped down to 154 and won the WBC title from Vernon Forrest. Duddy, along with Mora, have both been mentioned as potential opponents for middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in September. Duddy told Burns that he can make 154 with ease.
“I think he can make junior middleweight with ease," Burns told writer George Kimball. "When I asked him about it, he said ‘No problem.’ ”
Phillips has been weighing his options since an upset decision over Cory Spinks back in March to win the title.
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