Duddy Gets World Title Bout

Promoter Bob Arum has confirmed the date and venue for Duddy's clash with WBC World middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. The only obstacle in Duddy's path is Montreal-based Tunisian Walid Smichet on February 23, also in the Garden. A week earlier Pavlik meets Jermain Taylor, the man from whom he took the world belt last year, in a non-title fight. Then Arum says Duddy is next for Pavlik in a fight that he knows will be a 20,000 sell-out at the Garden. Lee Samuels, press officer for promoter Arum, said: "We're heading towards it. They are both - Pavlik and Duddy - in tough fights next month, particularly Pavlik, and nothing will be announced until they come through them."

Boxer Hurt In Sectarian Attack

A young Irish boxer is unable to compete in a major tournament after suffering head injuries in what police are treating as a sectarian attack. Enda Kennedy, 14, sustained a cracked eye socket during the assault in Church Street in Antrim last Thursday.

The St Benedict's College student had hoped to compete in the All-Ireland Boxing Championships in March.

However, doctors have said swelling he suffered as a result of the attack rules the Toomebridge teenager out.

On Monday, Enda's father Damien said: "At three o'clock he came out of the tech, accompanied by one of the teachers from St Benedict's College. Enda got to the bus first and he was waiting on the doors to open when two guys appeared from behind the bus.

"They ran up and one of them grabbed Enda's schoolbag and pulled him to the ground, while the other one kicked the head off him."

Mr Kennedy said threats had been made against his son on the social networking website Bebo.