Bernard Dunne knocked out Ricardo Cordoba in Dublin

Wayne McCullough's hopes of a fight with WBA super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne have been dealt a blow.

The 38-year-old McCullough sent an open letter to his fellow Irishman, requesting a showdown with Dunne.

"Wayne's been a great servant to Irish boxing and a great world champion," said Dunne's promoter Brian Peters.

"But he hasn't won a fight since 2004 - he would need a few good wins including a win over a ranked contender before it could be considered a viable fight."

McCullough has had just one fight in almost four years, losing to Juan Ruiz in June 2008.

The Belfast fighter's other six defeats in his 34-fight pro career were all world title contests.

McCullough had been scheduled to fight little-known Mexican super-bantamweight Alex Becerra in New York's Madison Square Garden on 16 March but the bill was called off.

Dubliner Dunne won his title by knocking out Panamanian Ricardo Cordoba in a brutal contest on Saturday.

"Obviously now that Bernard's become a world champion he's in a very strong position," added Peters.

"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.

"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."

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