Newly crowned IBA World middleweight title-holder "Ireland's" John Duddy, rated No. 8 by the WBO and No. 10 by the WBA, will be presented the prestigious Rocky Marciano Award as a distinguished champion on December 3 at the Boxerama XXV awards luncheon, celebrating the 25th American Association for the Improvement of Boxing, Inc. (AAIB), in White Plains, New York.
The AAIB was co-founded in 1968 by the late, undefeated world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano and Stephen B. Acunto, Dean of American Boxing Coaches and James J. Walker Award winner.
Ireland-native Duddy (18-0, 15 KOs), now fighting of out Queens (NY), won a unanimous 12-round decision September 29 at The Theatre in Madison Square Garden against former world champion Luis Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas (88-9) for the IBA World middleweight title.
"John Duddy reminds me of Jimmy 'Baby Face' McLarnin, the former world welterweight
champion who I used to spar with," Acunta said. "I really admired the way John fought a former world champion (Campas) who had 96 fights to his 17.
The humble Duddy is, of course, greatly honored to be receiving the Marciano Award. "It's hard to describe in words how I feel about receiving this award," John remarked. "Two years ago, Bernard Hopkins received it. I need to do a lot more to live up to the standards of the Rocky Marciano Award winners. It's more than I could ever imagine.
"Rocky was a very exciting fighter. His fights against Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott were unbelievable. I've watched a lot of his fights on tape. Rocky Marciano will always be remembered as one of the greatest boxing champions of all-time."
*Sorry if this was posted before.I didn't see it anywhere on the MB.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of people who don't agree with John getting this Award but remember,it's not an award for the best fighter right now.
John Duddy isn't exactly the distinguished Champion the article says he is. He is a prospect/borderline contender. The IBA makes the WBU look legit......
I think Duddy is overrated and the product of hype, but to be quite honest he could very well pick up one of the pieces left over by Taylor's move up to 168 if his team could engineer a fight with a weaker Champion.