Derry boxer John Duddy stars in award-winning New York play

Former Derry professional boxer John Duddy is taking to the stage of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast where he is starring in an award-winning play. After hanging up his gloves and swapping the ring for the stage, Duddy went on to study acting in New York and has just an off-Broadway run of “The Flood.” Known as the ‘Derry Destroyer,’ Duddy won 29 (18 by ko) of his 31 middleweight and is a former IBA World and WBC Continental Americas title holder. Now aged 36, he announced his retirement from boxing on 19 January 2011, Daniel McCabe’s “The Flood” is set on New York’s Lower East Side on the night of Hurricane Sandy and its story plays out between four friends who have gathered to weather the tempest outside as a recent family tragedy stirs up another storm within. Duddy stars in the lead male role of Aidan, a Derry man in New York, is joined by James Russell in the role of Charlie, Kimberlee Walker as Eve and Australian actress Sarah Stephens in the role of Mary. Duddy said he was delighted at the public reaction to the production. “The show has gone down really well in New York,” “The Flood” runs until 8 November. Visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk for tickets from £10.