THOUGH a proposed November 6 fight in Westbury, Long Island is off, undefeated Derry native John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs) is slated to fight Michi Munoz (21-2, 14 KOs) at the Roseland Ballroom on either November 13 or November 21.

"The November 6 date is dead and buried. We are not going ahead with that," Duddy's promoter Eddie McLoughlin of Irish Ropes told the Irish Voice.

"We are going to go ahead on either the 13th or the 21st," added McLoughlin, stating that midtown Manhattan would probably be a better location for Duddy's fans instead of a trek out to Long Island on a Thursday night.

Duddy will top the bill on whatever date is confirmed in a 10-round contest with Munoz at a catchweight of 157 pounds. Thursday, November 13 is a Gotham Boxing card promoted by Cedric Kushner, and the November 21 date (a Friday night) is a Bob Duffy Ring promotions event. At presstime, McLoughlin was finalizing the location where Duddy will appear before his adopted hometown fans for the first time since February 23.

Munoz is a 27-year-old from Leon, Mexico who now lives in Topeka, Kansas. "El Matador" has only lost twice in 23 outings, a unanimous decision defeat to Contender star Joey Gilbert for the NABO middleweight title in March 2007, and a round three TKO loss in February to the then 18-0 Vanes Martirosyan.

Munoz was last in action on September 5 when he TKO'ed Ray Cunningham in two in Kansas City. Will Munoz provide Duddy with a good test?

"Bloody right he will. He is a tough Mexican. I would expect this fight to go to the later rounds and John to get a decision. Make no

doubt about it, this guy will be around," offered McLoughlin.

Other big news coming out of Irish Ropes is that, presuming both fighters remain undefeated, Duddy will fight Ronald Hearns (20-0) at the Theater in Madison Square Garden on January 17 in a fight that will be televised on HBO.

"The event will be co-promoted by ourselves and Lou DiBella, and will be for the NABF 154 pound title or a world title eliminator," said McLoughlin.

Duddy is due back in the States this week and will soon head down to trainer Pat Burns in Miami for camp.

In other news, Simon O'Donnell and the Hyland brothers, Patrick and Paul, will fight in a Tom Moran-promoted show at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia on Saturday.

The 22-year-old O'Donnell will fight Adrian Redmond (4-5-1) in the eight round co-main event. In a late change of opponent, featherweight Patrick (14-0, 7 KOs) will take on Dominican Elvis Martinez (11-26, 5 KOs) in a six rounder, while Columbian Felix Flores (14-9, 11 KOs) will take on super bantamweight Paul (12-0, 4 KOs).

The brothers are trained by their father, Patrick Senior, who has had only good things to say about the fighting family's experience in the city of brotherly love.

"You hear about the great Philly boxers and the gyms and we've had great sparring," said Hyland senior. "You get all sorts of different looks, different boxing styles. It will make the lads better fighters. We've really enjoyed it here."

For tickets and information, call 866-777-5077.

Finally, Irish American welterweight Danny O'Connor started his professional career witha win on September 17 in Manchester, New Hampshire. The southpaw dispatched Jose Guerrido after 1:55 of round two when Guerrido's trainer Aaron Davis threw in the towel.

O'Connor, a 2008 U.S. Olympic team first alternate, was happy with his night's work.

"All of the hard training paid off. I felt good in the ring. I was a little too anxious going for the early knockout and didn't show all of the ability I have. I'm a big body puncher. I love banging the body because it slows down the opponent and leaves open holes for my shots. That's what happened," said the 23-year-old from Framingham, Massachusetts.

O'Connor, whose paternal grandparents came from Cork and Donegal, is trained by Dave Keefe and promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing.

According to boxrec.com, he is slated to fight next on one of their promotions on November 11 in Hollywood, Florida.