By Declan O’Kelly

IBA MIDDLEWEIGHT champion John Duddy announced he will return to the ring on Friday, May 18 at the Beacon Theatre in New York at a press conference last Thursday. No opponent has been officially announced yet, but one should be finalized in the next week or so.

“John will be headlining on a United Nations type of card. We have people from Poland, Hawaii, and Ireland. There is a very international feel to it,” said Eddie McLoughlin of Irish Ropes Promotions. “All things going well, this will be the last fight John has here (in New York) until the end of this year, or maybe early next year.”

In recent weeks Irish Ropes have been exploring the possibility of incorporating the expertise of Bernard Hopkins’ trainer Noazim Richardson into their setup to fully prepare Duddy for what will be a huge year for him.

“I am ready and rocking to go. It will be a very exciting night no matter who is in the ring with me,” Duddy said.

“We have some very exciting fighters on the card. I am comfortable and relaxed, and I am looking forward to leaving New York with a bang so ye will be all ready for my comeback,” added Duddy (19-0, 15 KOs), of his upcoming bout.

Irish Ropes plan for Duddy to headline a card on July 7 at the National Stadium in Dublin. The Derryman’s popularity and ticket selling power will be important factors in determining if Irish Ropes will try and make a European title challenge there in the fall.

With professional boxing in Ireland energized by the performances and popularity of Dublin’s European Super Bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne, it is a great time for Duddy to showcase his talents in the nation’s capital.

Trainer Harry Keitt was also in attendance and spoke in glowing terms about Duddy and his promoters. “It has been great working with Irish Ropes. They are the best people I know in boxing,” he said.

“Working with John has been an experience and a half. We are trying to win one fight at a time. People keep asking when we are going for the championship, but that day will come.”

The May 18 undercard will have a distinctly Irish flavor to it. Westmeath’s Alo Kelly is making his professional debut at the Hammerstein Ballroom on April 26 in a light-heavyweight fight. If he comes out of that unscathed, he will also fight at the Beacon Theatre.

“It’s great to be on the same card as John, and I am looking forward to a successful professional career,” Kelly told the assembled press.

Mayo man Henry Coyle (light middleweight) will have his second professional bout and make his second appearance on a Duddy card as he continues to take his fledgling steps in the world of professional boxing.

Other highlights on the card will be the undefeated New York State middleweight champion Pawel Wolak (14-0), and Brooklyn middleweight Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin.

Female Lightweight Miyoko K.O. will definitely take part, and negotiations are ongoing for Maureen Shea to appear on another Duddy ticket.

For ticket information contact Irish Ropes Promotions at 212-835-1582, or Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171. Ticket prices range from $50 to $300.