Bernard Dunne ... Returns Home
 Interview by Spud Woollatt (January 18, 2005)
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Bernard Dunne
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For sometime Bernard Dunne has been causing a stir in World Boxing, the fuss and questions concerning Dunne's abilities are gathering further momentum with each fight and each step he has in his professional career. At the very least Dunne is being touted as the best boxer to come out of Ireland and Northern Ireland in many years, that alone is not enough for the tough Irish Featherweight who has set a goal of capturing Britain's Nicky Cook's European Featherweight Title by the end of 2005.
Dunne was born in Neilstown, Ireland. He started boxing as a schoolboy, after a highly accomplished amateur career he eventually turned to professional boxing in the early part of 2001. Dunne's amateur fight record
was winning 119 fights with only 11 defeats, included in that record Dunne captured 13 Irish Titles. Perhaps the only dissapointment in the Irishman's
amateur career was failing to qualify to represent Ireland in the Sydney 2000 Olympics, however, he was eventually drafted into the squad as a reserve.
In the infancy of 2001, Dunne and his manager Brian Peters decided the time was appropriate for the Irishman to turn to the professional code. Dunne based himself in Los Angeles under the watchful eye of world renowned trainer Freddie Roach. Since that date Dunne has not only produced noteworthy performances in his 14 fights thus far, but in addition his talents have been showcased throughout the US TV Networks, one in particular
ESPN.
To enhance his experience for the battles ahead Dunne trained in the famous Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, he sparred with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Willie Jorrin, Wayne McCullough, Carlos Hernandez, "Sugar" Shane Mosley and was even brave enough to step through the ropes to put James Toney through his paces!
So why return to Ireland?? this question was put to Dunne when doghouseboxing caught up with him and his trainer in Ireland, Harry Hawkins.
Spud: Hello Ben, it is Doghouse Boxing, firstly can you tell us why you have returned to Ireland. Is it because of the demise of Sugar Ray Leonard as a promoter?
BD: Myself and my manager Brian Peters have taken this opportunity now I am a free agent to show the Irish Boxing Public what I can do. We can run our own show now, so, we have decided to come to Ireland to see what sort of reaction we will receive from the Irish public. Irish boxing is becoming stronger and I did not want to miss my opportunity to show what I can do.
Spud: Who did you spar with and will you miss that quality of sparring whilst you are showcasing your talents in Ireland and Britain?
BD: I sparred many rounds with Manny Pacquiao, Johnny Tapia, Carlos Hernandez, Sugar Shane Mosely, James Toney amongst many others. Just being in the same gym with so many great fighters has given me invaluable experience and it has stood me in good stead for the future.
You can only get so much sparring. It is in the ring during your fights you have to prove yourself, Just because I am fighting in Ireland does not mean I will not work in America or with Freddie again. It is just unfortunate for my fight with Jim Betts in February that Freddie Roach has to be with Manny Pacquiao, I am sure we will work together again in the future.
Spud: Can you confirm what Harry Hawkins role is in respect of training duties, and can you confirm the role of Freddie Roach?
BD: Like I say it is unfortunate Freddie has to be with Manny Pacquiao for his fight, however he will still be very much part of Team Dunne but so will Harry Hawkins who will be in complete charge for my fight with Jim Betts in Ireland.
Spud: Whilst you were fighting and living in America, did you keep an eye on the European and British Fight scene, especially future opponents, and the second part of that question is what are your goals for 2005?
BD: Yes is the answer to the first part of the question. Any fighter who is serious about his career has to follow the sport closely. My goal, my first and foremost goal is to capture Nicky Cook's European Title, I am good enough and I will succeed.
Spud: Do you want to fight in some of the big venues in England?
BD: Yes of course, any fighter would do. The good thing is with not
being contracted now to any promoter myself and Brian Peters know we can do
within reason what we want to, so we have some freedom. We can go where we
want, when we want.
Spud: To date which one of your opponents has given you your sternest
test?
BD: It has to be Adrian Valdez. He was very good, he stuck to his
gameplan and never lost concentration. No one can slate him because in the
fight after I beat him he knocked out Cesar Soto who has fought for the WBC
World Title.
Spud: Ben, if you read the various papers throughout the world and the boxing internet sites, your name has been mentioned by various writers and even boxers saying you are a top world prospect, unfortunately I am not being disrespectful I have not bought into that hype, do you understand that all your doubters want to see is you box so we can then cast our
judgements?
BD: Spud, I understand, you have to see something to believe in it. I can't wait to appear on Sports channels throughout Europe. At the moment my fight in Dublin in February will appear on the local Channel RTE but hopefully the news will spread once I make a name for myself in Europe.
Spud: Forgive my boxing knowledge, I do not know what fight it was, but you suffered a flash knock down. Were you concerned about this?
BD: It was my 10th fight against Alejando Cruz. I suffered a flash knockdown in the second round. I was caught by a silly punch and it simply should not have happened. I thought I recovered well in that fight, I even had Cruz in trouble at the end of that second round. I dominated the rest of the fight, got caught by the silly punch, I made the mistake.
Spud: There is a lot of talk on the Internet sites and some of the
media that there is a possible fight with a fellow Irish prospect Kevin
O'Hara, what are your thoughts on this?
BD: (A small chuckle at this point), I am not talking about fighting Kevin. It is Kevin's camp who have mentioned me as they have known I was coming home. Kevin is only naming me wanting to get his name mentioned in the press. I have already said, my first and foremost goal is to capture Nicky Cook's European Featherweight Title.
Spud: What is your dream fight?
BD: That is a good question. I have to say fighting anyone for a recognised world title in front of a big crowd in Dublin. I would want to fight anyone for that World Title.
Spud: Thank You very much for talking to me, please make sure you
visit doghouseboxing.com in the future
BD: Thank you Spud, don't worry I will visit your site.
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