Derry's John Duddy edges split decision in Texas bout

John Duddy has been beaten just once in his professional career

Derry boxer John Duddy edged a split decision against Mexican Michael Medina in Texas on Saturday to keep himself in the world title picture.

The 10-round bout went the distance with two judges awarding Duddy a 96-93 verdict with Medina handed a 96-93 nod by the other official.

Middleweight Duddy struggled to make his size advantage count over natural light-middleweight Medina.

However, the victory was Duddy's 29th win out of 30 career bouts.

His only career defeat came in a shock points reverse by Billy Lyell last year.

Duddy boxed carefully during the early rounds to build a lead.

However, Medina, now 23-2-2, fought back well in the second half of the fight and he dominated the final round - although Duddy clearly felt he had done enough to earn the verdict by that stage.

Duddy's bout was on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's comfortable points victory over the Joshua Clottey to retain his WBO welterweight title.

Duddy is expected to be again in action in New York in June.