Dunne vs the Pocket Rocket

Hangballlouie

there has been a bit of talk on other threads about this fight and if it should happen, will it happen, won't it happen etc.

I got in touch with Wayne about this and I am interviewing him tomorrow about this and other issues which I will hopefully link up here when done.

Anyway he sent me this, it is his open letter to Bernard Dunne.

Enjoy

OPEN LETTER TO BERNARD DUNNE

Bernard,
Congratulations on your great win at the weekend – you deserve it. You’ve worked hard to get where you are today. Being able to come back from the 5th round to pull out the win, while being so far behind on the cards, is an accomplishment in itself.

Doesn’t it feel good to be a World Champion?!? I’m really delighted for you. And being able to fight for the belt in front of your hometown fans is fantastic too.

But let’s get down to business!

When I sat down with you in Dublin in January – while I was there for the UFC fights – I mentioned that we should fight whether you won or lost because this is a match up the fans want to see.

Since the weekend I’ve had dozens of emails from our fans saying we need to fight as it would be the biggest event in Irish history.

So Bernard what do you say? Let’s get this done. I don’t have a promoter so the fight can be made easily – if you and your team want it! I’m an over the hill old man so I’m not going to be much of a threat to you!!!

I know you’ve said in the past that you won’t fight me because I’m your “hero” but Oscar de la Hoya fought Julio Cesar Chavez who was his hero. So that shouldn’t be an excuse.

Not since 1962 when Johnny Caldwell and Freddie Gilroy fought, have 2 guys from the same country fighting in the same weight class at the same time been able to meet at this level.

We don’t have to fight for your belt but that would be a bonus. You’re a world champion and no-one can ever take that away from you, so what do you have to lose? Anyway when I beat you, the belt is going to stay with an Irishman!!!

I have cemented my legacy in boxing and fought the best along the way. Right now, you are the champion and I’m sure you too will want to prove that you are the best. To be the best, you have to beat the best. So fight me!

I believe in my confidence, chin, talent and heart that I have what it takes to defeat you. Can you say the same thing?

Enjoy your success, Bernard. I’m proud of you!!

Your friend, Wayne McCullough

JMCD

I cant really see Bernard fighting Wayne, he probably feels he has a lot bigger fish to fry.

I dont even think there would be a demand for the fight IMO. I cringe when I hear Wayne talking about getting back in the ring. I really wish that he would realise that he WAS a great fighter and he HAS got legacy of being a great fighter, but if he keeps up these sort of antics he will leave behind a whole different legacy.

eagle eye

Wayne is no longer worthy of a title shot.
He should be concerned about his wellbeing and not be still looking for fights he does not deserve at this stage.
Who wants to see two Irishmen go at it anyways when its a nothng fight?
Bernard is a World Champion but Wayne is a shadow of the World class fighter that he once was.
If he cannot make up his own mind to retire you would think those around him who love and care about for him would do it for him.

T-K-O

Wayne Mc is also my hero - the guy is a legend I can not speak highly enough of him but I do not think this fight is in the best interests of Bernard Dunne and that is why I would be against it.

Barname

you cannot be serious

Wayne McCullough would not pass a boxing medical in any state worth fighting in.

Why would Bernard Dunne want to fight a man possibly one punch from checking out?

Move back to the back Wayne, BD has bigger fish to fry.

Step off the ego train Wayne.

Shane10

why would bernard fight mccullough ?? it makes no sense. just for a second imagine if he lost to him.....either way wayne should retire gracefully. give it a rest wayne please.

Johnduddy

Its sad to see this. Almost as hard to read as it is to watch Wayne fight.

hangballlouie - good luck with the interview, if you could ask Wayne who around him is still encouraging him to fight, I'd be interested to hear.

Hangballlouie

Johnduddy wrote: »

Its sad to see this. Almost as hard to read as it is to watch Wayne fight.

hangballlouie - good luck with the interview, if you could ask Wayne who around him is still encouraging him to fight, I'd be interested to hear.

There is no doubt that his other half who is also his manager gets a lot of the blame about him continuing to fight, and it is probably true to an extent.

I think this all stems from that documentary about him a couple of years back where she didn't come across well.

My issue is that if someone as respected as Freddie Roach stops training you because he doesn't want you to fight then it is time to stop.

Johnduddy

hangballlouie wrote: »

There is no doubt that his other half who is also his manager gets a lot of the blame about him continuing to fight, and it is probably true to an extent.

I think this all stems from that documentary about him a couple of years back where she didn't come across well.

I think it stems from a lot more than the documentary mate...

Any "Manager" worth their salt would be actively DIScouraging him. I've made my point on this a few times Im not goin to keep banging on about it but if Wayne decides to continue fighting (If he is granted a licence) I for one will not be watching. I love boxing, but seeing a 38 year old taking punishment for 12 rounds to "prove" he can still take a shot is not why I love it. We're already starting to see the effects of all the punishment he's taken over the years...

Maybe the people (or the person) that are encouraging him to continue will see sense before it comes to that...I doubt it though !

Hangballlouie

Johnduddy wrote: »

I think it stems from a lot more than the documentary mate...

Any "Manager" worth their salt would be actively DIScouraging him. I've made my point on this a few times Im not goin to keep banging on about it but if Wayne decides to continue fighting (If he is granted a licence) I for one will not be watching. I love boxing, but seeing a 38 year old taking punishment for 12 rounds to "prove" he can still take a shot is not why I love it. We're already starting to see the effects of all the punishment he's taken over the years...

Maybe the people (or the person) that are encouraging him to continue will see sense before it comes to that...I doubt it though !

Totally agree, but the point I was making was that we didn't realise the extent of his other halfs involvement until that documentary came out. other events after have allowed it to grow.

Johnduddy

hangballlouie wrote: »

Totally agree, but the point I was making was that we didn't realise the extent of his other halfs involvement until that documentary came out. other events after have allowed it to grow.

Yep - I think some people realised it a lot earlier too !

Let us know how the interview goes anyway - good luck with it.

Hangballlouie

Johnduddy wrote: »

Yep - I think some people realised it a lot earlier too !

Let us know how the interview goes anyway - good luck with it.

cheers mate

Wayne doesnt seem the full shilling anymore tbh.
If anyone heard him on Joe Duffy defending the UFC when it was on over here they ill know what I mean.
The guy is hired by UFC to defend the sport,hes a media relations officer for them and he is on air for about 20 minutes and basically says nothing of note and talks rubbish for 20 minutes.I am surprised they didnt fire him after it.

He sounded someone who had been damaged in the rign tbh.Bernard shouldnt bother,it would be over in 3 rounds.

mark renton

hangballlouie wrote: »

OPEN LETTER TO BERNARD DUNNE

Since the weekend I’ve had dozens of emails from our fans saying we need to fight as it would be the biggest event in Irish history.

No mention of the hundreds, ney thousands of emails from your fans asking to let it go

spongeman

This is a fight that should NOT happen.

It would be an extremely one-sided blowout. Wayne has'nt put in a performance of note in years.

Fantastic performance from Dunne btw. Im converted.

redout

This is nuts. Who is McCullough to demand a Title shot. He is not even a contender ffs. Looks like wayne using an excuse to get a title shot which he doesnt deserve.

blackgold>>

What a clown.

T-K-O

Leilani Plain Steakhouse wrote: »

Wayne doesnt seem the full shilling anymore tbh.
If anyone heard him on Joe Duffy defending the UFC when it was on over here they ill know what I mean.
The guy is hired by UFC to defend the sport,hes a media relations officer for them and he is on air for about 20 minutes and basically says nothing of note and talks rubbish for 20 minutes.I am surprised they didnt fire him after it.

He sounded someone who had been damaged in the rign tbh.Bernard shouldnt bother,it would be over in 3 rounds.

Erroneous : The only person to sound punch drunk on that show was Dowling. What a muppet. Wayne had to put up with idiots calling in saying that deaths occurred on a regular basis and the evidence was on UFC.com, I don't know how Wayne had the patience for any of them.

Wayne's job is not to defend the UFC but to promote.

T-K-O

blackgold>> wrote: »

What a clown.

Right back at ya.

spongeman

Especially as Wayne has fought once in four years ( I think) , and quit on his stool.

Age in one way has nowt to do with it - Look at Bernard Hopkins. Wayne has not won an important fight in such a long time. He also would need some tune up fights against meaningful opposition - and win them all.

He should concentrate on his promotional career, and let us remember him for the fighter that he was.

Hangballlouie

Brian Peters replies to Wayne.


McCullough fight unlikely but Vazquez and Caballero in Dunne’s sights


Promoter Brian Peters believes that Wayne McCullough is still some way from a crack at newly crowned WBA World Super Bantamweight champion, Bernard Dunne.

McCullough sent an open letter to Dunne yesterday challenging him to put his new title on the line against him in an all Irish World title fight. However with McCullough just months away from his 39th birthday and coming off 3 straight defeats Peters thinks it’s a match that’s a long way from reality.

“Wayne’s a good friend and he’s been a great servant to Irish boxing as well as a great world champion,” said Peters. “However he hasn’t won a fight since 2004 so he really would need to put together a few good wins including a win over a ranked contender before it could be considered a viable fight.”

Peters says that no firm decisions have been made yet with regard to Bernard’s next fight and all options are currently being explored. “At the moment Bernard is taking a well earned break and enjoying his success. It was an incredible fight and an incredible night and we’re certainly not short of options now.

“As I said after the fight the world is his oyster and there are all kinds of avenues open to us now. It’s a case of taking our time and working out what the best move is but we certainly won’t rush into anything.”

“Obviously now that Bernard’s become a World Champion he’s in a very strong position. The dream fight would be a big Las Vegas showdown with Israel Vazquez. He’s currently sidelined with a few long term injuries but is considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport.

“It’s a clash Bernard would relish as he sparred Vazquez day in, day out as a young pro when he was out in Los Angeles and I think those sparring sessions proved to a lot of people that Bernard had what it takes to reach the very top of the sport.

“You also have guys like Celestino Caballero calling Bernard out. He says he’d be willing to come to Ireland so right now there are a lot of options to consider including the possibility of a voluntary defence for Bernard at home in Dublin.”

Peters has also warned of an even scarier prospect for the World’s super bantamweights.

“I still believe we’ve yet to see the best of Bernard Dunne, he proved last Saturday night that he belongs up there with the legends of Irish sport and I still think there is more to come from him over the next few years.”

blackgold>>

T-K-O wrote: »

Right back at ya.

Excuse me?

spongeman

Boxing has very few happy goodbyes.

T-K-O

blackgold>> wrote: »

Excuse me?

you're excused.

walshb

Black, you're not a clown, so lets draw a line
under this silliness now.

walshb

Fellas, continue this petty **** by PM please!

spongeman

Phew.

Thought there was gonna be another fight there - im still recovering from saturday!!

T-K-O

Deleting posts is so juvenile. :mad:

walshb

Ever since I was called an idiot and a condescending twat, I've become
so sensitive! Oh, and juvenile

T-K-O

Walsh you really shouldn't let those bold boys get you down - chin up big fella.

Hangballlouie

Wayne responds to the response

Wayne McCullough – old man or big threat?

I read Brian Peters’ response to my challenge of Bernard Dunne that he released today. I was a little taken aback that Brian would write a disrespectful press release but I’m not really surprised.

Brian and I have been friends for many years. He was even a guest at my wedding back in 1993. Today he suggested that I need to get a “few good wins ... before (a fight with Bernard) would be a viable fight” but if my fights keep falling through, how can I do get those wins?

I’ve asked him on numerous occasions to help me get back in the ring – as recently as this past weekend – but for one reason or another it hasn’t happened.

After being out of the ring for 2 ½ years, I was willing to step into the ring with Kiko Martinez who knocked Bernard out – but Kiko failed to make weight and the fight was cancelled. Nobody said I needed a warm up before that fight.


Maybe if Brian didn’t see me as a threat to Bernard, he would have put me on some of his recent cards.

He stated the facts when he said I haven’t won a fight since 2004 but I’ve only fought 3 times since then! Twice against world champion Oscar Larios (the first fight I lost controversially and got an immediate rematch) and the other against a ranked fighter – where I had to pull out of the fight while ahead on the cards due to an injury.

I’m not the only former world champion who has lost a couple of fights and wants to get back to title contention. Several other world level fighters have returned to the ring following long layoffs or losses and were right up there fighting for belts in their comeback fights.

I’m serious about this fight. I’m ready, willing and able to fight Bernard. I’m not trying to hype this fight. There is no need for that. Even though we’re all friends, this is business and I refuse to bad mouth Bernard or Brian. I’m not that type of person.

There should be no excuse under the sun for Brian (or Bernard) to refuse to fight me.

After all, as Brian stated in his response to me, I’m coming up to my 39th birthday!

Old man or big threat?

doug1970

people have stated here that this fight should not be made...that it would be a disgrace...and it makes no sense...i totally understand that, but if i could flip the coin for a moment here...

we are in a time that boxing is at its most curroupt...and pro boxing is a business, money makes fights....if enough money can be generated then fights like this can be made...

a few points..

1. the wba recently took evander holyfield from a low ranking to number 13 in their rankings for no reason other than giving him a world title shot....this was also for an 'interim' world title like dunne has...mc cullough v dunne is almost the same type of scenario, old champion could being 'given' a new higher ranking so the fight could be justified...it's been done by the wba before recently, so who's to say they wouldnt pull that again...

2. money...if this fight makes no sense in many ways, it makes sense in one of the most important areas of pro boxing...money...wheter purists like the idea of money making fights, it is a business...and despite what anyone says this fight, although maybe a mismatch, would be a huge huge money fight.

3. this would be an easy option for dunne and peters, dunne would make a lot of money from it, while also being a safe fight after the war he just had...in some ways its what dunne needs, an easier fight than last time out, before going straight in with a dangerous opponent...and at super-batam the division is scattered with very very high quality an dangerous opponents.

4. not everyone who attends a big fight would be as up to speed as posters on a thread like this...out of the 9,000 at the o2 last weekend, how many would have known about other names in the super-batam weight division...would it be in the small hundreds ?...my point is that while a small number of boxing fans who follow the sport closely may complain about a mc cullough v dunne fight, the average punter who would go to the fight for a night out wouldnt bat an eyelid.



now....saying all that, its not to say that i want the fight to be made...i am a huge fan of both men and wouldnt know how to support one over the other, i'd take no pleasure in watching dunne beat up mc cullough...
but, i am just offering the point of view of how this fight could be made, and in the current climate of pro boxing how this fight WOULD make sense looking from a business point of view.

T-K-O

I don't beleive Dunne would make big bucks in the states unless he fought Vazquez or Marquez and he would be crazy to do that right now.

Secondly those 9 thousand would turn up again to watch Dunne fight ANYONE at the point.

In my mind Dunne should take one "handy" defence at the point - it will sell out they other guy won't cost that much and Dunne will take home the lions share.

It is all about Money but the you also gotta be clever about these things - the "easy" is there waiting to be made in Dublin.

I hope Dunne goes to Vegas but not right now. I also do not think Wayne would be as easy a fight as people think.

spongeman

Some good points from Doug and Hang.

Wayne's big problem is his lack of power, as seen against Naz and Morales.

Also he seems to have answered his own question by saying he has fought 3 times since 2004............

doug1970

T-K-O wrote: »

Secondly those 9 thousand would turn up again to watch Dunne fight ANYONE at the point.

agreed.

but...i think brian peters wouldnt want to be seen to be having a no-name in the opposite corner...and a safe bet would be mc cullough...at mc culloughs age i would take dunne as the clear favourite...but if somebody who had a very low ranking in the wba ratings, and was a safe opponent for dunne, i think you would have fellas in the pubs up and down ireland asking "who's this fella then?"...and maybe average punters giving out if the realised it was a 'safe' opponent...
i dont think that would happen with mc cullough in the opposite corner...i think it would capture the imagination of a lot of people...i think mc cullough is still a fresh enough big name from irish boxing for most casual fans...
and a fight like that..."the night dunne fought mc cullough" i think would only be an addition to the portfolio of brian peters...
and who else would be safer than mc cullough anyway in such a hot division, even a lower ranked opponent?

i think :-)

T-K-O

doug1970 wrote: »

agreed.

but...i think brian peters wouldnt want to be seen to be having a no-name in the opposite corner...and a safe bet would be mc cullough...at mc culloughs age i would take dunne as the clear favourite...but if somebody who had a very low ranking in the wba ratings, and was a safe opponent for dunne, i think you would have fellas in the pubs up and down ireland asking "who's this fella then?"...and maybe average punters giving out if the realised it was a 'safe' opponent...
i dont think that would happen with mc cullough in the opposite corner...i think it would capture the imagination of a lot of people...i think mc cullough is still a fresh enough big name from irish boxing for most casual fans...
and a fight like that..."the night dunne fought mc cullough" i think would only be an addition to the portfolio of brian peters...
and who else would be safer than mc cullough anyway in such a hot division, even a lower ranked opponent?

i think :-)

Hard core boxing fans will allow Dunne one "gimme" defence the punters in the pub couldn't name the top 5 in his division nor could a huge percentage of the crowds at Dunnes fight.

doug1970

i hear you t-k-o....and i'm sounding like i want to see the fight made, but thats not it at all :-)

T-K-O

Wayne is legend but I honestly think he is an unnecessary risk.

If Dunne beat him people would say, so what he's 114 - and if he lost

walshb

hangballlouie wrote: »

Wayne responds to the response

Wayne McCullough – old man or big threat?

I read Brian Peters’ response to my challenge of Bernard Dunne that he released today. I was a little taken aback that Brian would write a disrespectful press release but I’m not really surprised.

Brian and I have been friends for many years. He was even a guest at my wedding back in 1993. Today he suggested that I need to get a “few good wins ... before (a fight with Bernard) would be a viable fight” but if my fights keep falling through, how can I do get those wins?

I’ve asked him on numerous occasions to help me get back in the ring – as recently as this past weekend – but for one reason or another it hasn’t happened.

After being out of the ring for 2 ½ years, I was willing to step into the ring with Kiko Martinez who knocked Bernard out – but Kiko failed to make weight and the fight was cancelled. Nobody said I needed a warm up before that fight.


Maybe if Brian didn’t see me as a threat to Bernard, he would have put me on some of his recent cards.

He stated the facts when he said I haven’t won a fight since 2004 but I’ve only fought 3 times since then! Twice against world champion Oscar Larios (the first fight I lost controversially and got an immediate rematch) and the other against a ranked fighter – where I had to pull out of the fight while ahead on the cards due to an injury.

I’m not the only former world champion who has lost a couple of fights and wants to get back to title contention. Several other world level fighters have returned to the ring following long layoffs or losses and were right up there fighting for belts in their comeback fights.

I’m serious about this fight. I’m ready, willing and able to fight Bernard. I’m not trying to hype this fight. There is no need for that. Even though we’re all friends, this is business and I refuse to bad mouth Bernard or Brian. I’m not that type of person.

There should be no excuse under the sun for Brian (or Bernard) to refuse to fight me.

After all, as Brian stated in his response to me, I’m coming up to my 39th birthday!

Old man or big threat?

Lets be honest here, Brian was being quite generous here. What he should have said and what I'm sure he was thinking was, "Wayne, you're a crock and you should be forcibly retired before you get badly hurt, go away, your insistence that you still have something to offer is pathetic."

mikethemouth

i think its nuts that wayne would be considered as a viable opponent for bernard.

wayne has gone down in my opinion big time for turning his back on boxing and representing the ufc

while in the past he was a great ambassador of boxing i no longer want him involved in the sweet science.

Mr. Incognito

Wayne was a good fighter. Ten years ago. Get over it and move on old man, you're making a show of yourself.

If it wasn't Bernard Dunne would this even be taken seriously?

Brian and I have been friends for many years. He was even a guest at my wedding back in 1993. Today he suggested that I need to get a “few good wins ... before (a fight with Bernard) would be a viable fight” but if my fights keep falling through, how can I do get those wins?

Reminds me of Jerry McGuire- "I introduced you to your wife". This is business not personal.

I’ve asked him on numerous occasions to help me get back in the ring – as recently as this past weekend

He is "helping" you, but not allowing yourself to make a muppet of yourself and get yourself killed.

walshb

Wayne's biggest problem is that he doesn't seem to have anyone close to
him advising him and looking out for him. Even his own wife is pushing this agenda; she is his manager. Disgraceful!

cowzerp

If wayne was to fight bernard it would be a genuine fight, assuming wayne is fit enough to fight and he would get fit for it.

both lack power so dunne would not even dent waynes chin but wayne might hurt bernard, i think it would be a 12 rd fight and would not be a foregone conclusion, thats not to say i want to see it happen.

walshb

Well Paul, if that is the case, Dunne shouldn't take the fight. He'll
get nothing but stick if a washed up Wayne troubles him.
How can he legitimately claim to be a 'world champion' if Wayne
is pushing him hard, and hey, if Wayne was to win, Dunne would
be destroyed emotionally!

The fight is a no win situation for Dunne. He takes it and he gets
stick and deservingly so. He loses and he gets mega stick and deservingly
so!

Johnduddy

walshb wrote: »

Wayne's biggest problem is that he doesn'r seem to have anyone close to
him advising him and looking out for him. Even his own wife is pushing this agenda; she is his manager. Disgraceful!

His "manager" is the problem - We were talking about this the other day and about that mccullogh documentary that portrayed her "in a bad light" It portrayed the way she is ...A complete and utter....(I wont even say it walsh, I know you dont like bad language mate )

I was reading his website and he says on his blog

"Cheryl has been making sure that I dont read any of the stuff on the internet" WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS WAYNE ????

walshb

Let rip John! F*&^ sake!:D

Shane10

i havent seen wayne fight in donkeys years but from what i remember he was quick, throwing punch after punch in waves. if they fought he would try and do a martinez in the first few rounds. could be dangerous, but as i said i havent seen him in the ring for ages. he would have nothing to lose, dunne would be risking everything.

mark renton

Johnduddy wrote: »

"Cheryl has been making sure that I dont read any of the stuff on the internet" WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS WAYNE ????

I dont believe she took his laptop off him... :mad:

Johnduddy

walshb wrote: »

Let rip John! F*&^ sake!:D

"I dont believe she took his laptop off him... "

Hahaha she prob f**kin did too !!!

I think what he meant was that she didnt want him reading any of the "negativity" (truth) about people who are saying he shouldnt box again.

Like you said she is a disgrace. As the person closest to him she should be interested in protecting him not pushing for him to fight again.

Mr. Incognito

Is she hiding his birth cert from him too? :rolleyes:

Shane10

maybe he needs the money for a new laptop so....:D