BOXING News: Another step on the road to world domination is how Bernard Dunne described tomorrow night's first visit to the National Stadium (doors open 7 p.m.) since he turned professional. Jim Betts stands in the way.
With 18 wins and just three defeats, the third coming last December to Rocky Bean, the Englishman will make Dunne work.
But beat Betts and a European title shot against Nicky Cook moves one step closer.
Cross that bridge and the masters of the featherweight division will start coming into focus; the same calibre of fighter Dunne spars with on a daily basis in Freddie Roach's gym in Santa Monica.
But before those dizzy heights can be scaled the Dubliner needs to introduce himself to the Irish public. In recent weeks the glamour of Los Angeles has been substituted for the graft of Belfast's Holy Trinity gym under Harry Hawkins.
This does not bother Dunne as he lives the life of a monk wherever he resides, with religion replaced by the single-minded search for a world title shot.
The switch in environments is due in part to former promoter Sugar Ray Leonard sacrificing a whole stable of fighters to move into the world of reality television. It meant Dunne's manager, Brian Peters, had to go fishing this side of the Atlantic, but the advantage is that Dunne gets to come home.
"Of course there is added pressure with the hometown crowd," said Peters, "but that's what Bernard lives for. He's ready to go, he's done his apprenticeship - sure, I would have liked a few more fights in America, but I wouldn't have brought him back if he wasn't ready. He's a real fighter and it's world titles he is after."
RTÉ saw the opportunity and will be televising live from 10.45 p.m. on RTÉ 2.
Also on the bill is fellow Dubliner Jim Rock, who fights Peter Jackson; the former Irish Olympian Francis Barrett; Colin Kenna (brother of international soccer player Jeff); Robbie Murray and Paul Hyland.
Despite 14 professional victories in the States, Dunne has only gone 10 rounds on one occasion, so he will want to put this one to bed quickly.
World domination? Dunne's words prove he has the belief, perhaps the most pertinent tool a fighter needs in his repertoire.
