Bernard Dunne vs. Esham Pickering

Bernard Dunne 121 lbs beat Esham Pickering 122 lbs by UD in round 12 of 12

• Date: 2006-11-11
• Location: The Point, Dublin, Ireland
• Referee: Massimo Barrovecchio
• Judge: Freddy Rafn 117-111
• Judge: Jean Louis Legland 117-111
• Judge: Heinrich Muehmert 115-113

Dunne used his superior hand speed and footwork to take the early rounds, picking off his opponent at will.

Pickering was rocked at the end of the second round and was rescued by the bell while trapped on the ropes.

Pickering was cut by an overhand right from Dunne in the fourth round.

Dunne took rounds seven and eight off before stepping up the tempo once again.

Punches were exchanged after the bell at the end of round nine. Dunne controlled the tenth and eleventh rounds by making Pickering miss and tying him up in the clinches, then coming on strong in the second half of the rounds.

Dunne took the last round off and stayed out of trouble to ensure a unanimous points verdict.

Vacant European (EBU) Super Bantamweight Title

• Many thought Judge Mühmert scored the fight generously toward Pickering

• Interestingly Judge Christensen scored the first two rounds for Pickering. Most observers were of the opinion these were clearly won by Dunne. However, Christensen still scored the fight in favour of Dunne by 6 points.