Duffy vows to bounce back

(PRESS RELEASE) -- JOSEPH DUFFY insists he’ll return a more determined fighter in 2012, having been beaten by Ivan Musardo at Cage Warriors 44 last weekend.

Musardo (18-6-1) secured a submission victory in Round 4 to snap up the vacant CWFC lightweight title, subjecting Duffy (10-1-0) to the first professional defeat of his career.

The 23-year-old Irishman sustained a double fracture to his left hand during the 3rd round of the fight and underwent surgery yesterday.

Duffy said: “The surgeon says it’ll be 12 weeks before it's at full strength so I’m hoping to be back early next year.

“Every time I watch the fight it's a little more gutting,” he admitted. “I made a mistake in the scramble, giving him my neck. He took advantage of that and that's what this sport is all about.

“But I'm also taking a lot of positives. My fitness felt great and the game-plan was working well, so I’m looking forward to getting back into the gym.”

Despite the defeat, Duffy’s aims haven’t changed. His target remains the CWFC title.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Ivan,” he continued. “He took everything I threw at him and he's going to be a tough fight for anyone. Hopefully I'll get to meet him for the belt in the future.

“I want that Cage Warriors belt. I thought I was determined this time but you’ll really see how determined I am in my next fight.”

Duffy also paid tribute to his supporters, who came close to taking the roof off the HMV Forum in London on Saturday night.

The Welsh-based fighter added: “I owe them huge thanks. The atmosphere was unreal and it pushed me on for every round. I’d also like to thank everyone for all the great support I’ve received over the last few days since the fight.”