By Jonny Stapleton
Art Pelullo, Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions have offered to help Bernard Dunne realise his world title dreams by offering the Dubliner a shot at Cristobal Cruz and his IBF featherweight title.
Mexican, Cruz (37-11-1) defends his title against rated French pugilist Cyrill Thomas (33-2-4) in St Quentin, France on Valentine’s night. And If Cruz emerges from his defence still in possession of his title Egan claims he would be more than willing to take on the Brian Peters managed Dunne.
Neilstown native, Dunne (27-1) has recently bemoaned the fact his career seems to have stalled somewhat and it appears his boxing dreams and goals maybe caught up in a complex web of boxing politics, but Egan and Banner Promotions are willing to talk to Peters about a potential Cruz Dunne world title fight. (It would mean Dunne competing outside of his natural super-bantamweight division, however – Ed).
Egan, who has recently reached an agreement with Art Pelullo and Banner Promotions, that he believes will revolutionise the sport in Ireland, also stated that Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions would be more than willing to have the fight in Dunne’s hometown of Dublin.
“Bernard is a brilliant fighter and the biggest name in the super-bantamweight division despite not holding a title a present. He would still be a big draw at featherweight. It is a shame he hasn’t had a world Title fight confirmed as of yet, but if Cruz emerges victorious from his February 14 defense Banner Promotions and Tommy Egan Promotions could offer Bernard a shot at the IBF featherweight title, which could be held this summer in Dublin or the States.
“Art Pelullo is one of the most powerful and influential boxing promoters in the world and is eager to arrange that fight. As a boxing fan and a very good friend of Bernard I would love to see him achieve his goals, dreams and potential. If he was willing to move up to featherweight we would offer him a shot at Cruz and the world Title he craves,” Egan explained.
