John Duddy calls time on boxing career from RTE Sport - 18th Jan 2011 John Duddy has announced that he is retiring from boxing after turning down a reported purse 'in excess of $100,000' to fight compatriot Andy Lee in March. The battle of the Irish middleweights was scheduled to take place in Connecticut on the undercard of the Sergio Martinez versus Serhiy Dzinziruk bout on 12 March. The Derry Destroyer released a statement on Tuesday confirming that he had retired after 'a great deal of soul-searching' and stated that his decision is final stating, 'I give you my word; I will not come back'. Duddy's decision, once again, leaves Andy Lee without a fight after the Limerick boxer's last scheduled bout was cancelled when the Wladimir Klitschko world title fight with Dereck Chisora was postponed. The statement released by Duddy read: 'After 'a great deal of soul-searching, I have decided to retire from boxing. 'In many ways, continuing to fight would be the easy course of action. I have been offered the opportunity to fight Andy Lee on HBO for a purse in excess of $100,000. A win would put me in position to fight for a world championship. This is not an opportunity that I cast aside lightly. 'For more than twenty years, I loved being a boxer. I still feel that it's an enormous honor to be a boxer. But I don't love it anymore. 'I no longer have the enthusiasm and willingness to make the sacrifices that are necessary to honour the craft of prizefighting. I used to love going to the gym. Now it's a chore. I wish I still had the hunger, but I don't. The fire has burned out. And I know myself well enough to know that it won't return. 'It would be unfair to my fans, my trainer and manager, and everyone else involved in the promotion of my fights for me to continue boxing when I know that my heart isn't in it. I've always given one hundred percent in the gym and in my fights. I have too much respect for boxing and the people around me to continue fighting when I know that I can't do that anymore. 'I haven't accomplished everything that I wanted to achieve in boxing. But I've had a rewarding career. I've enjoyed the satisfaction of winning twenty-nine professional fights and learned lessons from my two losses. I've experienced the thrill of fighting in Madison Square Garden, Cowboys Stadium, and, also, my beloved Ireland with crowds cheering for me. I look forward to finding future challenges that bring as much passion and joy into my life as boxing has over the past twenty years. 'I give you my word; I will not come back.'
Duddy was going to lose the bout & probably take a tonne of punishment...if he didnt have the hunger then i dont blame him to call it day. If only many others retired before its too late. Duddy will never be remembered as a world class fighter, but no doubt he had a tonne of heart & gave his all in the ring in true Irish spirit.
He had a good little career, beating a couple of names along the way. Well done to the fighting pride of Derry...
Duddy was the next big thing in some people's minds for a while. Was surprised when Lyell beat him. Just seemed Lyell, limited as he is, wanted it more. A bad sign for Duddy. Good career though, and let's hope he sticks to his word - like most don't - and doesn't make a comeback. Speaking of Lyell - can't believe he's fighting JCC next!
It's not a sport you play at , when the desire to fight has gone it's gone , i think Duddy was probably a tad over hyped by the Yanks but i have enjoyed his career , Thanks John and enjoy the rest of your life . . :good:good
He really wasn't anywhere near as good as the hype/publicity he received suggests. It seems that if you are Irish, wear green trunks with a four leaf clover on them and base yourself in New York City then you can become a star. He will be quickly forgotten I'm afraid.
There's no real surprise there though considering boxing in New York was built off the backs of the Irish to a large extent.
thats a shame i liked watching duddy. altough, watching him against walid smichet 2-3 yrs back made me think he wouldnt have a long career. he sure took some shots in that fight.
I first caught him on St Paddy's day 2007 against Bonsante, I think Setanta brought it in especially. Even in my St Patricked state I could see he was using the Joe Mesi formula to make big bucks but was never gonna hang against the big boys in the division
Duddy was no Marvin Hagler in the ring but he was always entertaining and a class act as a human being. His war against Campas was a classic slugfest and he always brought it! I wish him the best in retirement!
A great loss to boxing but it looks like he made the correct choice.. Best of luck in retirement John
