Dickinson disappointed but optimistic as Ajisafe withdraws from title bout

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By Peter Mann

The English Light Heavyweight champion, Bob Ajisafe, and his main title contender, Travis Dickinson, were supposed to be in opposition this coming weekend. The undercard for the Price-Sexton bout though has now been extinguished when, this past week, news filtered through to the Dickinson camp that Ajisafe had pulled out.

With Sky TV already in discussion with the undefeated Dickinson to show the undercard bout, the young, County Durham boxer, was left understandably disappointed at the news.

Claims the emerged from the Ajisafe camp were that the fighter had injured his wrist in the build-up to the title defence; those in the north-east though believe that he is scared to face Dickinson, more so with the County Durham fighter already boasting a 12(5)-0 fight record compared with the champions 9(3)-2 record. The challengers imposing record understandably fuels the north-eastern beliefs.

“I was gutted,” claims Travis “but Ajisafe can’t really fight anyone else so he will either to fight me eventually or vacate the Light Heavyweight title.” That title was only claimed by Ajisafe after he defeated Darren Stubbs, TKO3, back in July last year.

Travis went on to add that “I have done a lot of training for this particular fight and was not prepared to let it all go to waste and have fortunately got a last minute replacement for the card in Liverpool.”

Not really the fight that he wanted, Dickinson will now face a Latvian Journeyman in the shape of Jevgenijs Andrejevs, whom, with a 6(1)-44(3) record, will pose a different and unique kind of challenge to the youngest of the Dickinson brothers. Although it is a different challenge for him, the focus though will remain the same, with that of Ajisafe and the English title he presently holds.

Travis continued by saying “yes, Ajisafe pulling out is holding things up for me but I want to do it properly by taking the English then the British Light Heavyweight belts. I’ll concentrate on this fight with Andrejevs first and then go back to Ajisafe.”

“I’ll just have to see what happens and take it from there.”

Travis also imitated towards both the closeness and usefulness of his older brother, Jon-Lewis, also being a fighter. In a recent interview with Jon-Lewis, the current English Cruiserweight champion mentioned sparring with his younger sibling prior to Travis winning the Prizefighter in January 2011 (both Dickinson’s have won their respective divisions in the Prizefighter series). 

Travis also mentioned a more recent incident of Jon-Lewis coming to the aide of his younger brother in times of need when he stated “I damaged the hands of trainer Ronnie Rowe during sparring sessions for this weekend’s fight so my brother stepped in as he had done prior to the Prizefighter and helped with sparring me.”

As things stand though the younger of the Dickinson’s future is seemingly at a little bit of a crossroads if you will. After he faces Andrejevs at the weekend the future becomes a little clouded as the Dickinson camp awaits news from Ajisafe. Short term would see Ajisafe-Dickinson happen in the near future but another postponement or any stalling from the current champion would lead to Dickinson biding his time and possibly slotting in an extra opponent. This will come as Dickinson patiently bides his time for an opportunity for his rightful shot at the English Light Heavyweight championship and at Bob Ajisafe.

Travis Dickinson, like his brother Jon-Lewis, is sponsored by Lonsdale, WM Utilities Services (Langley Park, County Durham) and Genetic Engineered Supplements (Consett, County Durham) as well as Martin Nugent, the Dickinson’s Strength & Conditioning Coach (Exercise & Nutrition Specialist).

Wins for Kid Galahad, Witter and Eubank Jnr. on Sheffield bill.

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Written and Photos by Danny Hill

It was very much a night for the young and the old last night at Sheffield’s Hillsborough Leisure Centre.  The Mick Hennessy promoted show saw victories for 22 year olds Kid Galahad and Chris Eubank Jnr. as well as the 38 year old former WBC Light Welterweight champion Junior Witter.

 

The main event saw Sheffield’s Kid Galahad increase his unbeaten record to 12 wins with an impressive victory over Barnsley’s Josh Wale (14-3-1).  Galahad, who was making the first defence of his WBC International Super Bantamweight Title was expected to be in for a rough ride against the tough Wale.

Galahad took control of the fight from the 1st, cleverly using his fast jab to find gaps in Wales’ defence.  Wale was also involved in some good early exchanges but ended the round with a damaged right eye sustained from the constant jabbing from Kid Galahad.

The next two rounds saw Galahad dominate further.  The sheer quantity and the speed of the punches from the Qatar born fighter were too much for Wale who was getting picked off with shots as he bravely came forward.  The Barnsley lad was constantly on the front foot pushing forward but the footwork and movement masterminded at Ingles’ Gym meant Galahad could avoid anything dangerous.  A good right hand at the end of the 2nd round looked to be the best of the opening 3 for Wale.

The bravery of Wale looked like it may be paying off in the 4th.  The quantity of punches thrown by Galahad in the early rounds had dropped and I wondered if he may be tiring.  He was still spotting gaps from the outside, and on the inside, as Wale continued to push forward.  By the end of the fight this would go down as the best round for the determined Wale.

The fifth round saw Wale start to get a little more success with his punches.  Again though, the tidy movement and composure in the punches of Galahad saw him get the better of the exchanges.  Wale suffered a cut to the left eye and by this stage his right was almost closed with the swelling.

The next few rounds saw Galahad continue as he had for the majority of the fight.  The number of punches thrown increased, with a high success rate.  Despite not having the sting he had in the early rounds he inflicted what looked like a new cut to the right eye of Wale in the 7th.

Wale bravely continued to push forward, but by the 9th, with cuts on both eyes the fight was temporarily stopped for the doctor to have a closer look.  The doctor allowed boxing to commence but when returning to his corner at the end of the 9th the fight was waved off by Victor Loughlin.

Also on the bill, Junior Witter (40-5-2) snatched the British Welterweight Title from Colin Lynes (36-9-0), proving to many that he still possesses the talent that had previously seen him as the WBC Light Welterweight Champ.  Witter had previously beaten Lynes in 2005 but with both mens careers going in different directions recently it was thought this could be Witter’s final bow if defeated.

The purple haired Bradfordian was continuously on the front foot controlling the action from the first bell.  Lynes appeared to be waiting for the counter punches in the early rounds but when unable to initiate these he looked frustrated.

Lynes did look to be settling in by the 3rd with both fighters putting in the graft.  ‘The Hitter’ stayed composed though and as Lynes became increasingly frustrated you could’ve mistaken it as a wrestling match with Lynes picking Witter up from his feet in the 4th, and then again in the 5th with what looked like an attempted suplex.

In the following rounds Lynes did show signs of the quality he no doubt possesses.  He landed some good head shots, in particular some good hooks to the head of Witter despite suffering a cut to his forehead in the 8th.

Lynes continued to do well in that later rounds as Witter tired from his good work in the early rounds.  Two shots in the 10th landed sweetly, wobbling Witter but he quickly recovered.

As the fight came to an end it was Witter who was been more cautious but he still managed to land a big right hand in the last round.  It was a good fight from both men with little in it, but it was Witter who was awarded victory via a unanimous decision.

The show also saw Chris Eubank Jnr. take his record to 4 wins in 4 with a points victory over ‘The Pocklington Rocket’ Harry Matthews.  Matthews showed a lot of heart over the six, three minute rounds but there was an obvious gulf in class as Eubank Jnr. jabbed his way to victory, looking the more composed and stronger throughout.  Matthews started every round fast, coming out quick and managed to bloody the nose of Eubank Jnr. in the second but the son of former world champ Chris Eubank settled in to each round soon after the initial bursts.  The corner of Matthews were donning T-Shirts with the slogan ‘Daddy can’t save you now’ but unfortunately for them there was never any sign of there been an upset and Eubank Jnr. was awarded all 6 rounds by John Foster.  It will be interesting to see how the career of Eubank Jr. develops and if he can live up to the hype surrounding him at the moment.

Other results on the night saw impressive debut wins for Sam O’Maison, Tom Mcassey and Callum Hancock over Kristian Laight, Rick Boulter and Dan Blackwell respectively.  Leo D’Erlanger also got his first victory in the pro ranks against Dan Carr after drawing his first pro bout.  The cousin of Tyson Fury, Phill suffered defeat to Barnsley’s Lee Noble who never looked in trouble in the first fight of the night.  Justin Newell and Kash Ali also extended their unbeaten runs against the experienced Johnny Greaves and Remigijus Ziausys.

Statement from the BBBofC regarding Chisora/Haye

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It has come to the attention of the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control that the Luxembourg Boxing Federation is considering putting on a promotion within the jurisdiction of the Board between Dereck Chisora and David Haye. The Stewards condemn any attempt by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation to do so.
 
Dereck Chisora has recently had his licence withdrawn by the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control on the ground that he is not a fit and proper person to hold a boxer’s licence. David Haye does not hold a boxer’s licence with the British Boxing Board of Control. If he applied for a licence his fitness to hold a licence would have to be considered, particularly in light of the part he played in what occurred at the press conference held subsequent to the Vitali Klitschko v Dereck Chisora contest.
 
Those behind this proposal are not concerned with the interests of the sport of professional boxing. Any member who participates in such a promotion would bring the sport of boxing into disrepute and would wholly undermine the authority of the British Boxing Board of Control, of which he/she is a member, as the regulatory body for professional boxing in the United Kingdom. This is nothing more than an attempt to circumvent the decision of the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control, in respect of Dereck Chisora, for monetary gain. Dereck Chisora’s proper remedy is by way of appeal to the Independent Stewards of Appeal, which is due to take place on the 2nd July 2012.
 
The British Boxing Board of Control has controlled and regulated professional boxing in the United Kingdom since 1929. Its primary concern is the safety of the boxer and its regulations have been developed and implemented accordingly. It has also ensured that the rules of boxing are enforced to the highest standard. Its reputation as a regulatory body is second to none within the wider boxing world. It can only act effectively with the consent and support of its members.
 
The Articles of Association (the “Constitution”) of the British Boxing Board of Control, to which every member has agreed to be bound, make it perfectly clear that the object of the British Boxing Board of Control is to control and regulate boxing in the United Kingdom. Any member of the British Boxing Board of Control who participates in any way in a promotion such as that referred to above would thereby evince an intention not to be bound by the Constitution of the British Boxing Board of Control and would act in a manner wholly incompatible therewith. In such circumstances the British Boxing Board of Control would accept that member’s repudiation of the Constitution as terminating his/her membership of the British Boxing Board of Control and his/her licence.
 
The British Boxing Board of Control has made its position clear to the Luxembourg Boxing Federation, the European Boxing Union and World Sanctioning Organisations and has already received strong support for its stance. As stated above, the British Boxing Board of Control does not approve of such a promotion taking place within its jurisdiction and will not supply any of its officials to officiate at such a promotion. For the avoidance of doubt, any member of the British Boxing Board of Control who participates in any way in such a promotion will be deemed to have terminated his/her membership of the British Boxing Board of Control and his/her licence therewith, for the reasons stated above.
 
Further, the Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control make it clear that the British Boxing Board of Control will assume no responsibility in respect of any aspect of such promotion and any participation therein would not be covered by any insurance policy taken out by the Board.
 
Participation includes taking any steps directly or indirectly, to arrange, advertise, broadcast, facilitate, officiate or take part in any way in such a promotion.
 
R. W. SMITH
General Secretary

Colin Lynes talks Witter, Purdy and future aspirations.

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Photos and Interview by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Back in May 2011 I interviewed former IBO Light Welterweight World Champion Colin Lynes, just as he was preparing to take part in the excellent Matchroom Sport promoted Prizefighter series.   It was a real pleasure, as here was a man who during his illustrious career had done it all, won British, European and World honours, yet he seemed to genuinely enjoy discussing all aspects of the sport and his career.

Unfortunately Colin didn’t win Prizefighter, having lost to eventual competition winner Yassine El Maachi in the semifinal, by a highly dubious points decision.

Some five months later Colin was back in action, this time challenging Lee ‘Lights Out’ Purdy for his British Welterweight title.  After twelve scintillating rounds Colin once again strapped the coveted Lonsdale belt around his waist.

I have to be honest and say other than republishing my fight report in it’s entirety I couldn’t possibly get across just how good that fight was, I mean it truly was ‘Fight of the Year’ material  - it was a seriously great fight.  OK, so you get the gist I really rated the fight, anyway back to business.

I did intend to catch up with Colin after the victory over Purdy, but somehow never quite got round to it. So with the news that this Saturday, almost a year to the day after I last interviewed him, Colin will defend the title for the first time, against former WBC World Light Welterweight World Champion Junior Witter, I felt now would be a rather good time to catch up with him again.

Rio – So Colin, you are defending your British title for the first time, against Junior Witter, and it’s a mandatory, not the usual voluntary, why is that?

Colin – Yeah, Junior Witter is the mandatory and I’m looking forward to it really.

They’re all good fighters in the top ten so, people say would you like to pick this one or pick that one, but I’m happy with whoever it is and Witter will come and make a good fight of it.

It’s a chance to get one back for me, as he beat me two years ago on a close points decision.

I’m a better fighter now, he may have improved and be a better fighter himself, so that makes me look forward to it even more and it’ll be fireworks on the night, a good defense for myself and the chance to get one back.

Rio – By rights you should have been facing Junior earlier than this, in the final of Prizefighter back last June, what are your thoughts on the
rather contentious decision that sent Yassine El Maachi to the final and not yourself?

Colin – Yeah, I wont go too much on that, everyone knows what happened and that.  It just didn’t happen on the night so I got over that and won the British title and I’m faced with Witter again who I should have faced in the final that night and people have got that final now.

Rio – Do you think that your performance in Prizefighter helped to get you the British Title fight?

Colin – Yes and No.  I mean El Maachi won Prizefighter and I think if he had been a British national at the time he would have rightly got the shot, except he wasn’t.

Witter had been a bit out of sorts that night, he’d openly admit that and of course everyone thought I should have gone on and been in the final.

I fought Purdy at short notice, as no one else could have stepped up in the time given for the fight, so I went for it and came off the winner.

Rio – I didn’t realise it was a short notice call, mind you your trainers, Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, both say you are the consummate professional and are always ready, always fit.

Colin – That’s very true, by the same token you have to have a trainer with you that knows, because you are always in the gym ticking over, that it’s a special care that you don’t overstep the mark when you are in the gym ticking over and Jimmy and Mark are superb, they’re the men for that.

Rio – Who have you been sparring for Junior, as his style is not the easiest to replicate.  I can only think of a few people with a similar style at this weight.

Colin – There’s not that many, but they are out there and thankful enough we know of them.

I’ve been doing enough sparring with some switch hitters, but we’ve also been doing plenty of sparring with our normal partners to get the rounds
done.

Now we’ve bought some tricky customers in and that’s been going well and we’ve still got a little time to go with those tricky opponents.

It’s good that you don’t know them, you know of them and they know of you but they’re not out of the TRAD TKO Gym and they’re not from the same area and it’s good because they come with that bit of spite and it’s all in good stead for the fight.

Rio – I know you don’t look past any fight, BUT you win, you defend your title, will you stay on the domestic scene or will you move back to the International scene, say a shot at the European title.

Colin – I’ll never vacate a championship until I have the next fight inked in, so until that time I’ll never just vacate as I know how hard it is to work your way back, not just winning fights to earn your way back but being given the chance.

Once a set of doors shut on you, people can make it very hard, they haven’t got to take you on and then you’re on the ‘who needs him’ list because of how fit you are, so I will never vacate a Championship unless I have another title fight inked in on the contract.

Saying that of course I want to get into the European mix, you’ve got an Italian champion, who’s defending against another Italian, no matter what it stays in an Italian camp and it’s very hard to prise Italian’s out of their camp.

We all know what happened last time I went over there, so I wouldn’t be too quick to be invited over there and I don’t think I would accept an invitation to go over there to be honest,  with what goes on there, so it could be a long waiting game for that.

Having said that, with Kell Brook beating Matthew Hatton I go into my fight knowing that doors have been opened, which motivates me even more.

It’s a waiting game but I am looking very much beyond British level.

Rio – I know we touched on it earlier but time to get back to ‘Lights Out’ – What a performance, I think it was clear Fight of The Year, please tell the readers your thoughts on the fight.

Colin – Yeah, it was a good performance, something I knew I was well capable of, and Jimmy and Mark trusted me, had faith in me.

It surprised some people, because as I said, rightfully so people were asking questions, has he still got it, is he over the hill, seen him before he goes so many rounds then…

I’ve always said, hand on heart, that was down to my body not coping with making the weight.

I made the weight correctly, I didn’t struggle or kill myself or gone without food or water but my body just wasn’t having it any more at the lower weight.  It took perhaps one fight too many at that Light Welter level for me to decide and talk to Jimmy and Mark and step up a weight so onwards and upwards.

It may surprise people but I have put that performance behind me now, because I’ve got a new job, a new opponent, new style and it’s a different fight and I’m not dwelling on what I did to Purdy, so Witter is a new challenge and I’m going to be up for it.

Rio – You’ve already been World Champion – Is that where your looking towards again?

Colin – Yeah, I mean I don’t get carried away and with the names you’ve got in my division at the moment, I would be silly and a bit foolish to say I want to fight Mayweather or I want this one, so I’ve got to take it step by step because it’s a rebuilding campaign.

I’ve stepped up a weight and I’m doing those things, so it’s a building process but I want to get there, I believe I can get there, but I’m not one of those to shout out and call people out. I feel I have got to prove my right to be in that mix.

What is quite attractive is Kell Brook beat Matthew Hatton, he’s in the same camp, that should earn Kell Brook a World title shot and my being in the same camp and when he’s due a voluntary I think that’s a fight that can be made.

I know Kell’s flying high at the moment, he’s a step above, but he was at my last fight commentating so I had a bit of joking like banter with him afterwards, I said ‘I know you’re a step  above but I’m pushing to get there and I’m going to catch you up, I’ll get there you know and then the fight’s on after.

Rio – You touched on it earlier, you were struggling at Light Welter, how are you now  finding life as a Welterweight?

Colin – I’m not going to be the biggest Welter, I said that when I first moved up but it’s not about being the biggest at the weight, it’s about being right.

It’s great being at Welterweight, I’m not worrying about food, in fact I can take on more carbs, more protein and I’m really enjoying training.

The weights not an issue, I’m really enjoying training, I’m strong as an Ox and as I said it’s a fine line and the Tibbs’ are making sure I don’t overstep the line.

Rio – Thank you so much, I would say give us a prediction but I know you don’t give predictions, so may I just take this chance to wish you all the success on the twelfth.

Colin – You’re right and thank you.

Colin Lynes defends his British Welterweight title against Junior Witter at the Hennessy Sports, in association with Alma Ingle, promoted ‘Pride of
Yorkshire’ event, which will be headlined by the WBC International Super Bantamweight clash between Kid Galahad and Josh Wale, at the Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield on Saturday, 12th May 2012.  The event will also be broadcast live on Channel 5

Ben Murphy: Now I Want The British Title

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Written (and photo) by Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

On Saturday night Hove’s Ben Murphy successfully defended his Southern Area Lightweight title, against Waltham Abbey’s unbeaten Phil ‘The Phil Gill Experience’ Gill, in emphatic fashion.

Ben, who is trained by Johnny Eames and Barry Smith at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, made short work of this his third defense, of the title he won in January 2010, taking just two minutes and thirty five seconds to dispatch this latest challenger.

With early stoppages in both his recent title defenses it is clear to all that Ben has now outgrown the Southern Area title and should rightfully be challenging for the British title, something that is not lost on Ben, as he made clear when he spoke about the fight earlier today, “I didn’t know too much about Phil Gill so didn’t really know what to expect from him, but after the fight started I more or less knew straight away what to do.

He was very easy to hit for one thing, every punch I hit him with hurt him and when it come to him punching back I sort of realised more that it would be an easy night for me, there was no way he was going to last long.

The sort of stuff Johnny (Eames) and Barry (Smith) have been working on with me in the gym really paid dividends, I was relaxed, it was a perfect fight and it showed everyone what I can do.

I’ve learned to relax in the ring thanks to them, I’ll go into my next fight knowing I can do that. Now I want the British title.

I want the quickest way I can get the British title. If I can fight for it right away, maybe Derry (Matthews) will give me a voluntary defense, that would be my number one choice.

If not  then an eliminator first, I just want a shot at the British title, it doesn’t matter which way I get it, I just want the quickest way to get to the British title.”

Cruiserweight success for Birtley’s best.

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By Peter Mann   

Photos by Danny Hill (view all http://www.flickr.com/photos/danshill/sets/72157629884340389/show/)

It was one of those nights. The nights that dreams are made of. Or in Matty Askin’s case it was a night of nightmares. Especially when Askin found himself  facing up against the more dominant boxer in the shape of Jon-Lewis Dickinson.

Having only once gone the full ten rounds prior to facing Askin, in the victory over David Dolan, Dickinson would make it count again when it mattered the most. More so when Dickinson imitated that “each fighter is understandably different but having gone the full ten rounds with Dolan I knew that I could do the same against Askin as well. The body gets used to going the distance.”

It was to be a fight that would lead to Dickinson successfully lifting the vacant English Cruiserweight title when, having gone the full ten rounds, the Tynesider would win via unanimous decision against Askin. All the more impressive as Askin went into the fight with an unbeaten 13(9) record but found himself wanting against Dickinson’s strength and will to win.  The victory took Dickinson’s fight record to 11(3) – 2(2) in his own 13 fight career.

“I’ve got 100% belief in myself and my abilities,” Jon-Lewis said. “Everything I had trained for worked spot on to what had been done in the gym in the build up to the fight.” It was to be that belief that would get him through the fight. A fight he had no intention of losing from the off.

About the fight though Dickinson admitted to Askin’s power but his preparations put paid to that from the off. “Askin’s power was a big factor,” Dickinson said. “However, from the first round I felt as though he (Askin) was letting his shots go and this showed as the rounds progressed.” He furthered this by saying that “my own defence was one of things that we worked on in training to stop him from winning.”

“I just took his attributes away from him and began to find it quite comfortable once I had started to achieve that,” and thus showing that Dickinson can make the transition comfortably between a four round and a ten round boxer.

Now though, there is just one thing on his mind, the British Cruiserweight title that is presently held by Enzo Maccarrinelli. The former holder of several championship belts at Cruiserweight level, Maccarrinelli has a re-match with Shane McPhilbin to overcome first in late June. After that, Dickinson has the winner in his sights.

“I’ve watched both of them already,” he said. “I know how both fighters box and I don’t really need to watch too much anyway of others as I can usually get how the opposition will approach a fight after one round.” It’s a philosophy that has served Dickinson well to date and, with any luck, the British Cruiserweight bout could be happening in the autumn even though Dickinson admitted that he would like it the “sooner rather than later and even if I was given five weeks notice then it would still happen. I’ll make sure that I am ready for it.”

Mathews stuns Crolla to take title

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Written by Ed Devanney

Photos by Danny Hill (view all at http://www.flickr.com/photos/danshill/sets/72157629512285072/show/)

Saturday night, the 21st April, saw what must be a contender for fight of the year when Anthony Crolla put his British Lightweight title on the line against Derry Mathews at Oldham Sports Centre.  Most pundits predicted a tough test for Crolla, however, very few could have predicted quite how tough it would prove to be.

Crolla, weighing in at 9st 9lb, came into this bout on the back of a string of eye catching performances which had the boxing world talking about a potential future world champion.  Mathews, also tipping the scales at 9st 9lbs, was out to prove that he was still a force to be reckoned with and should not be overlooked by the up and coming Crolla.

Both fighters entered the ring in fantastic condition, each with a strong following in the crowd.  When they squared up and while the referee, John Keane, gave his final instructions, I was surprised to see how much bigger Matthews looked than Crolla.  On paper they are a very similar size, however, for some reason Mathews appeared bigger than the champion.

The first bell was met with shouts of encouragement for both fighters from the very loud, vociferous crowd.  Crolla was straight onto the front foot, trying to work his way close to Mathews behind a fast jab.  Mathews seemed content to box on the back foot, looking to pick Crolla off on the way in.  Although there were the makings of an exciting fight, neither man could really take control in the first half of the round, however, Crolla seemed to step his work rate up in the last minute or so.  This was rewarded when he landed a fast jab followed by a good right hand over the top, connecting well with Mathews head and drawing blood from the Liverpool man’s nose.  The second round started off again with Crolla pushing forward and trying to command the centre of the ring, he was having some good success with his jab and was now pinning Mathews on the ropes a little and unloading with solid looking hooks to the body.  Mathews was soaking them up well and never really looked hurt, he was also beginning to have some joy with the right hand up the middle as Crolla was coming forward.  Mathews was covering up well when Crolla got close.  Both men were more than happy to stand and trade shots when required.  At the end of another exciting round it was looking as through Crolla was beginning to get a bit of a foothold on the direction of the fight.  This was to change dramatically.

The third round started off at a fast pace, again with Crolla pushing forward behind a high guard and fast jabs.  Mathews, however, had seen something over the first two rounds that he began to exploit.  As Crolla was moving forward Mathews was beginning to plant his feet and throw the right uppercut straight through the guard of Crolla.  This was done to great effect in the first minute.  As Crolla was pushing forward, Mathews hit him with a lovely Right uppercut, jolting Crolla’s head back.  No sooner had this landed then Mathews had thrown another one, landing flush on Crollas chin sending the champion to the canvass for the first time as both amateur and professional.  Crolla was up at around 4 but looked a little dazed.  Mathews went straight back at Crolla, pushing him back and landing solid left hooks and right hands.  To Crollas credit he was firing back by the last minute of the round, however, another big right hand by Mathews had Crolla worried late in the round.

Crolla seemed to have cleared his head between rounds and again started the fourth round on the front foot.  Crollas lack of head movement was, however, now becoming more apparent as he walked onto more and more right hands from the confident looking Mathews.  One of which causing a bad cut over the right eye of Crolla.  With Mathews now on the front foot more there was a lot more standing and trading from both men.  This was not good for Crolla, especially with such a bad cut, which the ringside doctor looked at in the middle of the round.  After a very exciting fourth round, both fighters touched gloves before going back to their corners.  The fifth round followed suit, with both men landing good, clean shots.  But now rather than Crolla forcing the pace it was Mathews who really had grown in confidence and could sense that the British title was there for the taking. Mathews landed another good right uppercut, following it with a solid looking left hook. Mathews was picking his shots very well whilst Crolla was still walking straight forward with not very much head movement trying to get close to Mathews. Crolla had some joy with a good left hook late in the round, however, he was met immediately by accurate shots coming back.

The sixth round began pretty well for Crolla, he seemed to find some rhythm again and was pushing Mtthews back and landing some solid body shot with Mathews seeming content to cover up more.  Mathews was still picking his shots well and began to push Crolla back midway through the round, again landing more good right uppercuts which were regularly followed up with left hooks.  Crolla did seem to hurt Mathews in the last minute of the round with good body shots, this seemed to kick Mathews back into gear.  In the last 30 seconds Mathews pushed Crolla back and caught him with some good shots, most noticeably a lovely left hook which almost put Crolla on the canvass.  Mathews followed this up with a number of right hands, rocking Crolla’s head back with each shot, with only 4 seconds remaining of the round, referee John Keane stops the bout to the delight of Derry Matthews and his travelling fans.  If this is not a contender for fight of the year than I don’t know what is.

There will be some argument as to whether this stoppage was premature.  I am not so sure.  Crolla was getting hit with some big shots and looked hurt.  The referee does not know how long exactly is left in the round, and taking into consideration the state of Crollas cut eye, I think John Keane only did the inevitable.  I would rather see a fighter stopped 4 seconds too early than 4 seconds too late.  

James Dickens stopped Yuriy Voronin in the 4th round.

Lucas Browne stopped Paul Butlin in the 4th round.

Stephen Foster beat Miguel Aguilar on points.

Adam Little beat Chris Jenkinson on points.

Tommy Stubbs beat Gavin Reid on points.

Ryan Doyle beat Sid Razak on points.

Will Dickinson get the right answer?

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Written by Peter Mann

Travelling to Oldham on Saturday for a live Sky Sports bout with Matty Askin for the vacant English Cruiserweight title, Birtley’s finest, Jon-Lewis Dickinson, is looking to both continue and enhance his recent form.  Not just in this specific bout, but Dickinson is hoping to go on and challenge for the British Cruiserweight as well, and beyond.

The 25 year old orthodox boxer, who won the Cruiserweight Prizefighter in April 2010, has put two recent defeats and serious injuries, behind him to continue in that quest.  Those two defeats, against Tyrone Wright and Richard Turba, both came at a cost, and nearly a severe one at that.  In the fight with Wright, Dickinson suffered swelling below his left eye in a third round TKO defeat.  Then, coming into his next fight, with Turba, it would go from bad to worse, retiring in the third round having suffered a broken jaw.  It was to be an injury that would so very nearly put paid to his fledgling, professional fight career.

“It was terrible,” said Jon-Lewis. “The first six weeks I had the jaw strapped with an elastic band. I couldn’t eat anything, the weight dropped off me and then, for about six months I was fighting to try and get my fight license back.  But we kept on fighting and pushing for it, writing letters to the boxing board, scans, seeing the consultant at the hospital trying to clarify things out.  It took a lot of fighting to get my license back and there wasn’t a lot I could do really.  I couldn’t train and it was a bad time really.”

That comeback trail was to be a long and arduous one.  Whilst on that comeback trail Dickinson would be seen to aid his younger brother, Travis, en-route to his own Prizefighter success in January 2011, before getting back into the ring himself.

The first fight on that comeback was in a ‘Tyne-Wear’ battle with Sunderland’s David Dolan, for the Northern Area Cruiserweight title.  Dickinson would be seen to prove his worth and, after a ten round war with his regional rival, would claim the gold on points.  It was a victory worth waiting for.

The elder of the Dickinson brothers has always maintained his burning desire for not only English Cruiserweight, but the British title, and beyond.  Jon-Lewis said that “There’s no guarantee and I have to win what’s in line first anyway and that’s the English Cruiserweight and Matty Askin.”  He went on to say that “is my main priority at the minute and then go from there.  I want to progress as far as possible but won’t look too far ahead due to what can and has happened.  You can’t take anything for granted.”

After the Dolan fight Dickinson entered what was effectively only the second, ten round fight of his career, against Chris Burton.  Although Dickinson imitated that it would be his mental preparation that would play a similar part whenever he enters a ring, the fight with Burton was soon over.  Dickinson emerged victorious with a second round TKO.  “With Burton I was again thinking that it was going to be a tough fight.  I took it to be another ten round affair the way Dolan’s had been,” Jon-Lewis said.

But it would be Dickinson’s thoughts on the fight itself that tells its own story.  “As it happened, when I got in my shots, which were accurate, and the power that they landed with, were in the right places. I just took him apart straight away.  The initial damage had been done probably twenty seconds into the fight as I caught him with a perfect left hook and he couldn’t recover after that because, after I’d caught him with that first, initial blow, the shots after that which I’d picked were all accurate ones. I didn’t miss with any of them and was keeping him knocked off balance, keeping him unsteady.”

Now though Dickinson takes on what is probably his most important challenge to date in the undefeated Matty Askin.  Askin, with a 13(9) fight record comes into this bout on the back of five straight TKO victories, four of which arrived in under five rounds, destroying Attila Palko inside two rounds in his last outing.

The two fighters, Dickinson and Askin, have had similar journeys as well.  Both were seen to make their in-ring professional debut with a fourth round points victory over Paul Bonson.  They also have had meetings with, and defeated that of John Anthony, Nick Okoth and Hastings Rasani.  With that similar background some would even say that Matty Askin and Jon-Lewis Dickinson have been on a collision course with destiny since they made their debuts.  And when was that? Well Bonson would be seen to fight both Dickinson (7th) and Askin (22nd), in November 2008, thus adding further intrigue into Saturday’s meeting.

When looking ahead to the bout with Askin though, Dickinson is understandably optimistic in regards to his chances of claiming the English Cruiserweight and he said that “With it being another ten round fight, and having faced tough lads in both Dolan and Burton then I’d be approaching Askin in the same manner.  I’m training for ten rounds, for a hard fight, for a war really.  To do whatever you have to do to win a fight over the ten round distances.  Just needs to make sure the runs are being done, complete the pad work in the gym, even the conditioning side of things, sparring, and just have to make sure that everything is done properly.”

It is that Askin bout though which his main and only priority is though and the reasons why are very understandable.  Dickinson, pointing at the outcome of the Turba bout, placed emphasis on why he is taking it all one fight at a time “It’s like when I got into the ring with Turba.  I didn’t expect to get a broken jaw and my boxing career was nearly over.  That could have been it and I would never have competed again.  It puts things into perspective.  It shows how careful you have to be when you get there and how much training you put in before.  You need to be a hundred per cent going into that ring because if you’re not then it can and will go wrong.  It’s a dangerous sport and we go into the ring to hurt each other.”

Walsh suffers defeat on home turf.

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Written by Ed Devanney

Photos by Danny Hill (all photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/danshill/sets/72157629866317145/show/).

Saturday 14th April saw a good crop of local talent on show on the Wayne Carmichael promotion at the North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax.

The main event saw local boy and crowd favourite, Patrick Liam Walsh 9(3)-0-0, move down in weight to face the current Scottish Light Welterweight champion Stuart Green, 16-12(2)-0, over eight, three minute rounds.  Even though Walsh was making a move down in weight he came in the lighter of the two fighters, weighing in at 9st 11lbs, against the 10st of Green.

Both fighters started the bout at a fast pace, neither wanting to let the other man gain any advantage.  Walsh was trying to work behind the jab and back Green onto the ropes before letting go with short, sharp hooks to the body.  Green was countering well and every time Walsh connected with a clean shot, he came back with a flurry of his own.  Late in the round Green shook Walsh up for the first time, both landing good right hands on the bell.  Both fighters were more than happy trading with one another throughout the round. This was to make for an exciting bout.

Things continued in this manner for the first half of the fight, both fighters taking turns to push their opponent back only to be met with shots coming back as soon as it begins to look like one is taking the ascendency.  Midway through the second round Walsh suffered a cut to his right eye, the referee called this as a head clash, however, I think he must have been the only person who saw it that way.  The cut was seemingly caused by a lovely straight right hand which caught Walsh as he was coming in.  The third round saw Walsh have some good success.  Throughout the round he was in the driving seat, constantly pushing Green back and seemingly bullying him around the ring.  A good right hand late in the round wobbled Green and sent his gumshield flying out of his mouth.  This seemed to fire Green up and he came out for the fourth round more aggressive than the previous three.  Green looked the stronger of the two fighters, on the front foot and catching Walsh with solid looking uppercuts and hooks to both body and head.  A stinging right hand 20 seconds from the bell seems to shake Walsh into action, landing a solid left hook to the body followed by a right hand to the head.  At the midway point of the fight it looked a very hard one to call.  Green seemed to be doing the more work of the two, but Walsh was picking the better, more eye catching, individual shots.

The fifth round saw the first signs of fatigue in both fighters.  Both seemed to miss more and their punches lacked the snap of the earlier rounds.  However, this round was another exciting, close affair.  Walsh took the initiative early in the round, landing some hard looking shots, a good right hand in particular seemed to hurt Green, his legs stiffening for a split second.  To his credit, Green came back from this shot and lifted his work rate, bossing Walsh in the second half of the round.  Another very close round to score.  The last three rounds followed suit.  Neither man wanting to take a backward step and both landing good shots only for the other man to come back firing straight away.  After eight very entertaining, and extremely close rounds, referee Phil Edwards raised the hand of Stuart Green, much to the disappointment and shock of the majority of the fans in attendance.  I personally had Walsh winning by one round, however, none of the rounds were conclusive for either fighter and it is easy to see how it could have been awarded to Green.  Walsh is a good fighter and will come back from this better for it.

The main support was a four round Cruiserweight contest between Nathan Owens, 2(1)-0-0, weighing in at 14st 3lbs and the vastly experienced and well-travelled Hastings Rasani, 23(16)-66(24)-0, coming in to the ring at 14st 3lbs 9ozs.  The Castleford man started on the front foot, looking to find his range with his jab before throwing solid straight rights and left hooks to the rather static Rasani.  Owens dominated the first round, making Rasani miss when he did throw with his wild swinging shots.  This was the pattern of the bout.  Rasani did have some joy in the third round, landing with one of his swinging shots, this was as good as it got though.  Owens resumed control and at points through the fourth it looked as though Rasani was wobbling.  He managed to see it through to the final bell.  The referee John Latham scoring the bout 40-37 to Owens.  I have no idea where he got an even round from.  On this evidence Owens looks like a real prospect, he throws good accurate shots and picks them well. If he is matched properly I can see him doing well.

The undercard also saw Halifax lad Shuzzy Hussain build on his first victory against Kenny Davidson with a stoppage over Joe Jones, winless from four outings, in the second round of a six round Light Heavyweight bout.  Shuzzy was on the front foot from the first bell, pushing the taller man back against the ropes and landing big, looping hooks to the body of Jones.  Jones was having limited success catching Hussain on the way in, none of these shots were thrown with enough conviction to deter Hussain.  The second round started in the same manner as the first, then, after 53 seconds, Jones tries to move to his left and turn Hussain, as he did so Hussain threw a big right hand over the top, dropping Jones’s guard.  He followed this up with a big left hook which put the Llanelli man down for the count. Hussain moves on to 2(2)-2(1)-0.

Local prospects, Welterwight Richard Bitner and Bantamweight Scott Gladwin both kept their unbeaten records intact with points victories over Sean Gorman and Delroy Spencer respectively.  The bout between Bitner and Gorman was a tough, fast paced fight for the full 4 rounds.  Both men seemingly taking turns to land big shots on one another.  At the end of the four rounds, referee Phil Edwards scored the bout 39 to 38 in favour of Bitner who keeps his unbeaten record in the paid ranks and moves on to 3-0-0.  In contrast, the Gladwin and Spencer bout was a little slow.  Both men trying to pick their shots, and neither looking likely to trouble the other.  Having said this, Gladwin will take a lot from this bout as Spencer, making his 152nd appearance, is as experienced as they come.  After four entertaining but relatively uneventful rounds referee John Latham scored the bout 40 – 36 in favour of local boy Gladwin who moves onto 5 fights without defeat.

McPhilbin looking to get title back.

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Written by Danny Hill

Photo by Mark Jones (http://www.markjjonesphotography.co.uk)

It has been announced that Shane McPhilbin will have a chance at getting his British cruiserweight title back from Enzo Maccarinelli on the 22nd of June at the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton.

 Enzo claimed the belt in a night of controversy last month with the timekeeper stopping the first round 47 seconds early after he was knocked to the canvas by McPhilbin.  It was widely thought that had the 47 seconds been used then McPhilbin would’ve gone onto win the first defence of his title.  Instead, Maccarinelli went on to win on points but wasn’t happy with what was a poor performance compared to his previous standards. 

 Shane McPhilbin initially won the British title in rocky-esque fashion with a late comeback against Leon Williams after been written off by many in the first 10 rounds.  Williams looked to be on top all the way before McPhilbin stopped him in the 12th.  I caught up with Shane to find out a bit about his career so far and his plans for the future.

When did you find out about the missing 47 seconds and how did you feel watching the fight back?
Well, I thought it felt short but your emotions going and you don’t actually realise and it wasn’t until the final bell that I knew for sure.  Watching it back, its bad how an official could get it so wrong during a British title fight.

How have the last few months been since you initially won the title?

The last few months have been mental everyone round my areas knows me and shows me loads of respect for what I have done.

What are your career plans for the rest of the year?
Well I just want to get my rematch done with and then we will see after that, i’ll just take one fight at a time.

Carl Greaves has some real warriors in his stable at the moment.  Who are your friends within the camp and boxing in general?
Well I’m good mates with a lot of the boxers there.  I’ve known Jody Meikle since the ABA’s.  I know a few from other stables,  Courtney Owen from Ingles is a close mate.

Mr Blobby? What’s the story there?
Its from when I was a fatty.  I have lost 5 stone since the ABA’s and thought it fitted.  The fact is I’ve work hard to get where I am.

To win a British title must’ve been a distant dream after losing 2 of your first 4 fights. What/who has been your inspiration and what would your advice be to young pros in a similar position?
Well, I’ve never ducked a fight.  My whole family and my daughter are a big inspiration to me.  I always had a lot of advice from a guy called Paul Singleton who was my ABA coach and a father figure to me.  My advice to young lads is to work hard in the gym and listen to advice they are given.  Always follow your heart.