Derryman Duddy will fight in Dublin on 14 July

Unbeaten Duddy extended his record to 20 straight wins in New York last weekend before packing his travel bag for his long-awaited trip home.

"Why have I have left it so long?" reflected Duddy on Thursday.

"I was a bit hesitant and hoping that people would still look on me as the same young fellow that left."

But if Duddy had any doubts about his place in the affections of Maiden City folk, they were surely dispelled by the reception that he has received this week.

"It's been great to come back and see all the guys and seeing all the kids that are coming into the gym."

Duddy will enjoy a few more days with his family and friends before resuming training for his fight professional fight in Ireland in Dublin on 14 July.

"The phones have been ringing off the hook here at home asking when I was going to be brought home to fight. Now the opportunity has arisen and I will really look forward to that night."

The Derryman confirmed that his handlers had been sounded out about a contest with WBC and WBO world middleweight champion Jermain Taylor.

"There was some contact but we're not at the right moment for that yet.

"I'm probably three or four fights behind that pedigree but it's nice to know that they are looking over their shoulders at me."