Duddy returns to face Howe

Jun 27, 2008 - 11:59 AM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Undefeated middleweight contender John Duddy hopes to make a statement Saturday when he returns to the ring to face Charles Howe.

Despite his perfect record, Duddy (24-0, 17 KOs) will be looking to put a disappointing effort behind him after the Irishman only managed to win a majority decision over Walid Smichet in February.

In the victory over Smichet, Duddy was cut badly over both eyes, forcing him to take off more time than he had planned. The 28-year-old Duddy enters Saturday's fight with a new trainer in Pat Burns, who replaced Don Turner.

The unimpressive showing against Smichet cost Duddy any chance at a title shot against WBC middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, who has established himself as the best fighter in the division.

"I'm looking forward to doing much better than I did in my last fight," said Duddy, who is rated No. 2 by the WBC and and WBO.

"I'm feeling great. My last few fights, people have said I looked smaller. Even my mother and father said that. I didn't really feel it but we've been working on me being stronger and I've enjoyed it."

Duddy also is looking forward to fighting in front of a large contingent of Irish fans at The Castle.

"I've fought there and visited Boston many times," Duddy said. "The atmosphere there is very friendly with so many of my family, friends and fans living there. The Castle is familiar territory for me, especially with so many Irish there. I'm looking to give them a good experience."

Howe (17-4-2, 9 KOs) is coming off the only loss in his last 14 fights, dating nearly eight years, to WBC USNBC champion Joey Gilbert in their title bout last September.