John Duddy honored to be fighting in MSG June 11 vs. Victor Lares

NEW YORK CITY (May 17, 2005) - Unbeaten Irish middleweight John Duddy (9-0, 9 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in boxing, feels genuinely honored to be fighting June 11th at historic Madison Square Garden.

Duddy, now fighting out of Queens, faces Texas middleweight champion Victor Lares (10-1, 3 KOs) on the Cotto-Abdullaev undercard. "Fighting at Madison Square Garden means I've finally done it," Duddy said. "I've dreamed about this a long time and I'm very excited. Many of the all-time great boxers have fought over the years at Madison Square Garden. Maybe in a year or two, on the same stage, I'll hopefully be fighting for the world middleweight title. What a great atmosphere, but I won't be star struck fighting there having watched a few fights at Madison Square Garden."

Duddy is coming off a devastating first-round knockout of then WBC No. 19 rated and previously undefeated Lenord Pierre (16-0, 11 KOs), March 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

"I've fought in front of a lot of people in some amateur tournaments in eastern Europe," John explained, "but it won't be nearly as many people as there will be June 11 at Madison Square Garden. I'm very honored to be fighting in one of the most prestigious places in boxing. Once the bell rings, though, it doesn't matter if we're in Madison Square Garden or anyplace else, I'm there to fight my opponent."