Dunne bounces back

Boxing : Bernard Dunne successfully negotiated the first hurdle on his comeback trail having earned a 100-90 points decision against a dogged Felix Machado in Castlebar tonight.

Given his relative lack of firepower, the Dubliner was never likely to stop Machado and was made to work hard against the seasoned Venezuelan.

Dunne, beaten emphatically by Kiko Martinez in his ill-fated last bout, was unable to impose himself against the southpaw in the early stages but gradually wore his opponent down as the fight progressed.

There was little doubt that Dunne deserved the win but he will face some more difficult days ahead if he is to regain his status as a genuine world title contender.

© 2008 The Irish Times