It seems like many of the best European fighters stay in Europe and wait for opponents to come to them. Irelands's Bernard Dunne is not following that career path. In fact, all of Dunne’s pro fights have been in the United States and none have ended in defeat. Tonight Dunne will be fighting Adrian Valdez of Mexico in the main event of Showtime’s Shobox series. Dunne and his trainer, Freddy Roach, took the time to speak to Fightnews.com.

What do you know about Adrian Valdez?
He’s a tall, rangy southpaw fighter. But I don’t see the southpaw style being much of a problem to me. I work with Manny Pacquaio, he’s the best southpaw, featherweight in whole world. I’m confident going into this fight.

How was training?
Training has gone great. I’ve been sparring with Israel Vazquez, the IBF world champion Joel Perez. Everything has gone really good.

Do you have any concerns about Valdez?
Obviously, I have concerns about every opponent. No one is a push-over. He’s going in there thinking he can beat me. He wouldn’t have taken this fight otherwise. He has a good record (14-2-3). If I perform badly, then it gives him a chance. But if I’m on my game, I’m winning this fight.”

You are known as an up-and-coming prospect, but not many people have seen you in action. What should people know about Bernard Dunne and what will they say after Thursday night?
I am a lot more focused now as a fighter than when I originally started off. I punch real hard. I wouldn’t be surprised if this one goes short tomorrow night. But I’m prepared for 10 rounds, physically and mentally.

You said you’re a hard puncher, can you tell us about your style?
At the beginning I just liked to slug it out, but Freddy (Roach) has developed me more technically, rather than taking a punch to give a punch. I’m a little more polished now.

It’s still early in your career, the featherweight division is one of the best, there’s Pacquaio, Barrera, Marquez. How do think you’d do at that level?
Right now, I’m 13 and 0. I spar with Manny Pacquaio and I hold my own. I’ve also sparred with Israel Vazquez and Johnny Tapia. I always hold my own, but that’s sparring. Maybe in a year’s time, we’ll start talking about looking for a world title shot.

Are you feeling any pressure fighting on Showtime tomorrow night?
No, I’ve fought on ESPN and Showtime before. You don’t worry about a tv cameraman trying to hit you. It’s not the first thing going through your head.

This is a big opportunity with a big audience, what are people going to say about you after tomorrow night?
Hopefully they’ll go away thinking positively about the way I box. I take myself as an entertaining fighter. I hope I entertain the people tomorrow night when they watch me fight.

Many European fighters like Joe Calzaghe or Ricky Hatton stay in Europe and wait for their opponents to come to them. What made you decide to follow your career in the United States?
My father was my coach as an amateur. We decided that if I was going pro that the States was the place to go. The reason I am in LA is because of Freddy Roach. I haven’t looked back since. A lot of the greats come from America. I’m positive about my decision to come here and train.”

Has it been difficult being away from home?
It’s been very hard. It’s just me and my wife. We get homesick, but it’s a sacrifice I make. My record is 13 and 0, it would be different if I was six and seven. It’s been good so far, I can’t complain.

Any predictions?
No, I won’t make a prediction. I’m just going to win. How I win? That’s another story.

Freddy Roach

How has preparation gone for this fight?
Very well. He’s definitely ready. His last couple of fights, we had a little problem with his right hand. We have it under control now and hopefully that will hold up. I’m looking for a great effort. This is his first main event on Showtime, so this is a really big fight for him.

Is he feeling any added pressure fighting on Showtime?
He’s pretty casual about that. He doesn’t get any tighter. It shouldn’t rattle him at all.

Do you have any concerns or what do you know about Valdez?
Valdez is a southpaw with an awkward style. He’s a pretty good boxer, but we’re going to take it him.