Who in the World Is Bernard Dunne?

For many at the Bleacher Report the name Bernard Dunne (27-1) will mean very little. For some boxing enthusiasts it will sound vaguely familiar (Dunne launched his professional career out of Freddie Roach's Wild Card stable, winning his first 14 bouts in the US).

For the Irish, however, Bernard's name has become synonymous with the sweet science itself. And on March 21st he will put that public's aspirations on the line by challenging Ricardo Cordoba's (34-1-2) WBA Super Bantamweight title at the O2 Arena, Dublin.

Born in Neilstown, Dublin, Bernard Dunne followed in his father's footsteps and began boxing as a schoolboy. He built up a solid amateur record (119-11) but having failed to make Ireland's squad for the Sydney Olympics he relocated to California, turning pro in 2001.

Receiving praise from worthy sparring partners such as Shane Mosley and James Toney, Bernard showcased his talents on the likes of ESPN before returning to Ireland in 2005.

He quickly built up a strong following, winning Esham Pickering's EBU Super Bantamweight title in 2006. His likable persona and slick style allowed him to capitalise on a reemerging public interest in the sport.

However, in 2007, his dreams of bringing a world title home were crushed when he was brutally KO'd in the first-round by Spain's Kiko Martinez.

With his upcoming fight against Panama's Ricardo Cordoba that dream has been resurrected.

In his own words: “This is what I’ve dreamed about and I suppose what the Irish people have wanted since I came home from America. Now we are getting the chance to test ourselves against one of the best super-bantamweights in the world.”

It may also be worthwhile noting that prior to defeating Esham Pickering for the EBU title Dunne commented, "He [Pickering] is at the age, 30 years of age, that he needs this kind of fight to put himself back into the big picture. And I need it to launch myself into the big picture."

It is hardly necessary to point out that at 29 Dunne now finds himself in the latter's shoes against Cordoba.

Yet despite being the underdog there are two things going for the Dubliner in this fight.

The first are his speed, footwork and a pliable left hook. Even during his dullest bouts he has displayed these admirably (such as his recent performance against Argentina's Damian David Marchiano).

Were he to tighten up his defence and put some capacity into the right by sitting down more on his punches, it is not far-fetched to see Dunne pulling off a surprise.

The second thing standing for him is his opponent. Of all the routes to a world title, Cordoba perhaps offers himself up as the most manageable. His fighting record outside of Panama is poor (two draws in Germany, a loss in Thailand) and he inherited the WBA title by way of an interim bout after fellow countryman Celestino Cabellero won the IBF crown to unify the belts late last year.

Nevertheless Dunne will not underestimate his opponent. Cordoba will be determined to get by Dunne, for it would likely mean a shot at Caballero's unified titles (Ricardo defeated Caballero by unanimous decision in 2004).

Furthermore Bernard tends to carry his left hand low and the Panamanian's southpaw style will exploit this. He will also likely try to draw the Irishman into pushing forward early on, a trait Freddie Roach noted when he urged Dunne to “get it through his thick skull” that he should use his speed and move from side to side a la Manny Pacquiao.

In preparation for this fight Dunne has set up a nine-week training camp in Belfast. There he is tackling the southpaw style (“Everything will be southpaw orientated,” he recently told irish-boxing.com) and developing his strength through an intensive weight and dietary routine.

“The sessions are draining and intense but there hasn't been a day yet I don't look forward to going into the gym,” he said. “This is the fight my whole career has been building to so there'll definitely be an extra edge to me for this one.”

Dunne will need that extra edge at the O2 Arena as he fights before 10,000 expectant Irish fans.

The bill will be a historic one for Irish sport, showcasing the island's boxing talent from both the professional and amateur ranks. Thus we will find Ireland's Olympic medallists Kenny Egan and Paddy Barnes fighting alongside rising pro talents Andrew Murray and Michael Kelly.

With a legion of fans and the right training behind him, Dunne is more than capable of producing a world class performance. But as A. J. Liebling, that dandified sage of the New York Prize Ring, once remarked, "A boxer, like a writer, must stand alone."

Dunne's public and world boxing fans will have to wait until Mar. 21 to see if the Dubliner has what it takes to do so.