BOXING:Bernard Dunne's manager Brian Peters was quick to dismiss rumours circulating this week that the European Super Bantamweight champion had damaged his wrist in preparation for tomorrow's third title defence against unbeaten Spaniard Kiko Martinez at the Point Depot.
"It was a classic where-the-hell-did-that-come from," said Peters yesterday. "Bernard is in the shape of his life and this promises to be a career-defining fight for him."
Martinez is widely considered the best of the rest at this weight in Europe so victory here will increase Dunne's candidacy to challenge one of the four world title holders. Dunne is currently ranked fifth by the IBF and WBO, and 10th by the WBC and WBA. Martinez is 11th on the WBA rankings.
The fight card includes undefeated middleweight and Olympian Andy Lee who makes his professional debut in Ireland after 10 victories based out of Detroit as part of the renowned Emmanuel Stewart stable that also includes heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko and middleweight champion Jermain Taylor. Ciarán Healy provides the opposition.
Stewart will be ringside despite the recent passing of his father.
Ricky Hatton will be in Matthew Macklin's corner for his eight-round middleweight bout with Darren Rhodes.
Also on the night, Brian Magee fights Tony Oakley for the British light heavyweight title.
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