Duco view Berridge as the real deal

Wanganui-born boxer Robbie Berridge (seen here defeating Japanese fighter Shintaro Matsumoto) has signed a six-year deal with Duco - now he needs to deliver. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Duco Events yesterday added New Zealand boxing's next big thing to their stable - Wanganui-born Robbie Berridge.

The acquisition of Berridge ("The Butcher") is proof positive that David Higgins and Dean Lonergan are serious about building the depth of New Zealand boxing.

With Joseph Parker heading their stable the team at Duco wanted to expand their base and by signing Berridge to a six-year deal they nabbed a promoter's dream.

Berridge (28) is a bruising southpaw who likes to bang heavy and who is always looking to take the attack to his opponent.

It's a strategy that has worked well so far with Berridge holding the WEBC Asia Light Heavyweight title which he won in his last bout, against Japan's Shintaro Matsumoto in July.

Berridge dreams of one day fighting for a world championship.

And with just one loss in his 22 professional bouts (20(16)-1-1), and his new deal with Duco Events, he's on target to keep that hope alive.

"Having the guys at Duco show faith in my long-term future is a massive boost for me," Berridge said.

"They have supported me in the past by allowing me to fight on their cards so it was a no-brainer when the offer came in from them.

"They are in boxing for the right reasons.

"Everyone can see the great job they have already done with Joseph Parker.

"Now it's up to me to work hard and make sure I put myself into a position where they can help me get to the very top of the boxing world."

Lonergan and Higgins have long admired Berridge.

"The guy has everything a promoter wants from a fighter," Lonergan said.

"He has impressive KO power, a never-say-die attitude and a level of determination that suggests to us that he can go all the way in this game."

Berridge will debut as a Duco Events' backed fighter on the undercard of the October 12 Hydr8 ZERO Joseph Parker v 'King' Afa Tatupu title fight at Trusts Arena.

His opponent will be a NZPBA Super Middleweight title holder, Adrian Taihia.