Ulster/Irish round up - Duddy, Quinn, Rogan by Steve Wellings Jan 14th 2008

Contrary to earlier reports, John Duddy's next opponent will not be Michi Munoz or Matt Vanda as first expected but a certain Walid Smichet. Duddy must be expected to prevail in this ten rounder on the Klitschko vs Ibragimov unification undercard as Smichet is a relative unknown with a 17-3-3 (13 KO's) slate. A Tunisian based in Canada, Smichet lost his last contest to Sebastian Demers and his best result appears to be a draw with “Contender” star Donnie McCrary. Newtownards Bantamweight Stevie Quinn has decided he is not quite finished with the pro game just yet and is apparently planning a comeback in 2008 after a lengthy absence. Stevie last fought in 2004 against Del Spencer in Belfast but retired with a 10-13 (4 KO's) record including good wins over current British super-flyweight king Chris Edwards and former English champion Marc Callaghan. He also shared the ring in losing efforts with Hussein Hussein, Michael Hunter, Noel Wilders, Martin Power (twice) and Kevin Mitchell. Team Alio are set to unveil a new professional to join their ranks in the form of Luke Wilton, son of manager and trainer Alan. Luke has an impending medical and scan and should this go smoothly he will meet the board for a licence application. The exciting youngster had a near seven-year amateur career and will possibly campaign around the super bantamweight mark. One rumour doing the rounds suggests Martin Rogan may be ready to hang up the gloves, probably frustrated by a lack of opportunities. Only last year former heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon claimed Rogan “Could go all the way” and it would be a shame to see the West Belfast man call time so early. While no official opponent has been named yet for Scott Belshaw's ring return later this month, the Riga gym may provide a Latvian to test the Aghalee man after a lengthy spell outside the ropes.

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