The 29-year-old will face another demanding night next month as he looks to repel the challenge of Poonsawat, the man referred to as Thailand's Manny Pacquiao' courtesy of an impressive career that has seen him win all but one of his 39 professional fights with 27 of those wins coming via knockout.

The mandatory defence was ordered by the WBA in the wake of Dunne's dramatic victory over Cordoba, but Dunne's promoter Brian Peters remains confident that the Dubliner will enjoy a long reign as World champion.

"Poonsawat has been waiting for a shot at the title for over 18 months now so he's a very determined man," said Peters.

"He says he has no fear coming to Dublin to take on Bernard but let's not forget that Ricardo Cordoba said exactly the same thing.

"Bernard's performance against Cordoba was absolutely sensational. The heart, conditioning, skill and power he demonstrated on the night proved once and for all that he belongs up there with the very best and the scary thing is that I believe there is still more to come from Bernard.

"His strength and conditioning coach Mike McGurn believes that Bernard can improve three-fold even on that performance so that's a scary prospect for any fighter, even one as good as Poonsawat.

"Of course it's not going to be easy because when you are a World champion everyone is gunning for you because you have what every other boxer wants but Bernard has never, ever ducked a challenge and he's wants to meet this one head on."

Poonsawat already holds a win over the aforementioned Cordoba but his sole defeat came in Germany in 2006 when he lost a close decision to then WBA Bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko.

The defeat, however, has not put the Thai off from travelling to Europe once again to try and rip the title from Dunne.

"I've been waiting for this chance for a very long time but I've kept busy and I am very determined to finally get what I deserve," said the 28-year-old before predicting: "I believe that I will knock Dunne out inside seven rounds."

Poonsawat watched Dunne's win Cordoba but he says he is reserving judgement on the Irishman until he steps into the ring with him.

"I watched that fight and both Dunne and Cordoba are good boxers but I'm not sure that Cordoba was in the best of shape for that fight.

"I fought him before and I know that he's not an easy guy to knock down. So either he came in to that fight in poor condition or else Dunne must be a very big puncher.

"Clearly Dunne has a great fighting heart but I don't see him as a very skilled boxer. He proved against Cordoba that he has a big heart and maybe he is a big puncher too but we will see what happens next month."

Dunne, for his part, is eagerly awaiting his return to the ring on September 26.

"He says I'm not the most skilful so he obviously hasn't seen that much of me yet!", the Dubliner joked.

"I'll be looking to use all my skill on the night and I've been working very, very hard again with Mike McGurn on my strength and conditioning. He's been putting me through hell but it will be all worth it next month.

"I worked so hard for the Cordoba fight but I'm even hungrier for this one and I've stepped up my training again for this fight.

"I've already been based in Belfast with Harry Hawkins for the past month and there's another five weeks of hard work left.

"I'm sure he's going to come to fight but I'll be ready for 12 hard rounds."

He added: "It's going to be a hell of a night again, the atmosphere last time at the O2 was something I'll savour for the rest of my life and I'm sure it will be just as good next month."

Details of the undercard for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night will be revealed shortly but the card will also include Andy Murray's first defence of his European Union Lightweight title.

The undefeated Cavan man has won all 16 of his pro bouts to date and like Dunne he will be hoping to make a successful first defence having won the title at the O2 in March.

Tickets for the Hunky Dorys World Title Fight Night are priced from €50 and went on sale from 9am this morning from Ticketmaster (telephone 0818 719 300 or visit www.ticketmaster.ie). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.