Dunne sets out on professional road

Many have gone over and fizzled into obscurity but there is a belief that Bernard Dunne has the class to make it when he leaves for Los Angeles later this month for the first step on the road to professional boxing.

In a hype-ridden sport Dunne, who yesterday announced his move, represents one of the best Irish amateur boxers in the country having won 119 of his 130 amateur fights. In Ireland he has never been beaten and holds a remarkable record of 86-0.

The 21-year-old Dubliner, having spoken to all of the main promoters in the US, including Shelly Finkel and Bob Arum, has settled with Mat Tinley and Bob Goossen of America Presents. The company, which originally took on Wayne McCullough, has a roster of world-class fighters including Mike Tyson, David Reid, Michael Nunn, Joel Casamayor and David Tua.

The CIE club boxer will join the gym where trainer Freddie Roach operates. Roach looked after Steve Collins when he first made the move to America before becoming the WBO world champion. Dunne hopes to pick up a NABF title within 18 months, a mark that would rank him in the top five to 10 featherweight fighters in the world.

"I've a three-year plan," he says. "I've taken my time choosing the team and they've all dealt with the top boxers. I'm 21 now. I'm a baby. I made the decision in February and spoke to all of the promoters. They all offered deals, but this is the best option. If you want to be the best, you have to go to the States where all the best fighters come from. My father boxed in the 1976 Olympics. I've been boxing since I was five. There was nothing else I ever wanted to do," he says.

More hardened observers understand the magnitude of the move and Mel Christle, president of the Boxing Union of Ireland is one of them.

"The NABF title should be within his grasp within two years," says Christle. "Otherwise there should be a serious review. But I'd be surprised. He has the talent and he has the ability."

Dunne's first bout is scheduled for December 20th in either Boston or New York.