The prospect of a Jim Rock versus John Duddy clash edged a step closer this week after Duddy’s promoter Eddie McLoughin revealed that the fight looks very likely to go ahead in Las Vegas in August.
Dublin born Rock said yesterday that he would be prepared to put his Irish middleweight title on the line against Derry native Duddy, "anytime, anywhere".
If the clash does get the green light then both men will go head to head on the undercard to Hasim Raham/Oleg Maskev WBC heavyweight showdown at the Thomas & Mack Centre in Las Vegas on August 12.
According to McLoughlin, top US promoter Bob Arum is involved in the promotion and the all Ireland duel will be confirmed for Nevada after a few small details are ironed out.
34-year-old Rock, who is managed by Brian Peters, landed the Irish middleweight title with a 7th round stoppage of Kevin Phelan at the National Stadium in Dublin on June 4.
Less than a week later Duddy (27) retained his Americas Intercontinental title after he forced Freddie Cuevas to retire on his stool at the end of the 7th round in Madison Square Gardens.
Rock has won 27 (8 KOs) of his 31 fights so far, while unbeaten Duddy, who fights out of the Irish Ropes Gym in New York, has chalked up 17 (15 KOs) wins.
Duddy vs Rock bout edges closer
