John Duddy....Your thoughts?

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Duddy is popular because he is Irish and likes to fight, plain and simple.
He's not a world-beater for sure, but I think he gets criticized a bit much.
I think that people instantly hate on a guy that gets a lot of hype without doing much, that's the big thing.

Walid Smitchet isn't a bad fighter and he fought him ok, and he showed warrior spirit against Eastman, a cagey vet with some thunder in his fists.

He's entertaining enough though, he is in good fights and I don't think his popularity will diminsh much if he loses.
The good thing about him is that we don't expect much so he's safe versus Andy Lee who Manny Steward and the boxing community hyped way too much.

A ko loss for Duddy wouldn't be shocking so the fall out will be a lot less.

He could end up being an Irish Mickey Ward type sooner or later.

What does being Irish have to do with popularity? I'm Irish, and i'm not popular for it, when I start my amateur career will I be better because i'm Irish? I don't get what everyone is hinting at.

[Guest]

What does being Irish have to do with popularity? I'm Irish, and i'm not popular for it, when I start my amateur career will I be better because i'm Irish? I don't get what everyone is hinting at.

He's Irish and likes to fight so that means an instant fan base of loyal fans especially in America.
Not merely because he's Irish.
History is filled with examples. Quarry, Cooney, down to McCullough etc.

Irish people support their stars and it's a good marketing tactic in the states where many have an affinity for the Emerald Isle.

There's tons of people claiming Irish ancestry in America. It's like a badge of honor.

[..........]

He's Irish and likes to fight so that means an instant fan base of loyal fans especially in America.
Not merely because he's Irish.
History is filled with examples. Quarry, Cooney, down to McCullough etc.

Irish people support their stars and it's a good marketing tactic in the states where many have an affinity for the Emerald Isle.

There's tons of people claiming Irish ancestry in America. It's like a badge of honor.

I agree with you 100% there, thanks for clearing that up. But yes, it does seem that everyone wants to be Irish at least once in their life, really annoying too, I love being Irish, but hate saying it because the next guy says "Me too!"