Ahead of his first title defence against Dave Dolan, British cruiserweight champion, Jon-Lewis Dickinson, is adamant he won’t take his former foe lightly when the pair clash at Houghton-Le-Spring’s Rainton Meadows Arena on February 15.
In July 2011, Birtley’s Dickinson picked up the inaugural Northern Area title, as well as North East bragging rights, after a 10-round points victory over Sunderland’s Dolan.
This time around, with the stakes raised and Dolan energised by a last shot at glory, a confident but cautious Dickinson insists nothing can be taken for granted.
“No, definitely not,” stated Jon-Lewis, ahead of the Loaded TV bout.
“Dave’s a tough fighter, he’s fit, he’s going to be there for a fight and he’s not going to hide. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I’m prepared for a tough battle.
“We’re not going to have to look for each other, we’ll both stand there and the best man will come out on top – and that’ll be me.”
If he can repeat the feat and beat his Mackem rival, Dickinson, 12-2 (3), is hoping to further his ring experience this year by winning the Lonsdale Belt outright.
The 26-year-old is excited by the resurgent domestic scene and is relishing the chance to face down the current crop of hungry young fighters vying for a shot at his belt.
“There are a few names coming through like China Clarke, Chris Keane, Wadi Camacho and Stephen Simmons, so it’s heating up nicely.
“I’m keeping a close eye on them and am looking forward to this next year; getting it on with them and showing who the best in the country is. At the moment though, I’m definitely not looking past Dave Dolan.”
“I thought I nicked it by a round,” recalled challenger Dolan, 16-4-1 (5), on his previous defeat to Dickinson, “but it was that close you can’t really argue with people’s opinions.
“Hopefully this time I’ll really make sure and leave it beyond doubt. I know where I went wrong and perhaps need to do a bit more this time.
“I’m confident I’ve got the ability to do it. I’m expecting it to be more difficult than last time, I’m prepared for that, but am looking forward to getting in there.”
‘Supremacy’, taking place at the Rainton Meadows Arena on February 15, is headlined by Jon-Lewis Dickinson versus Dave Dolan for the British cruiserweight championship and will televised live on Loaded TV (SKY Channel 200).
The undercard, stacked with North East talent, includes derby fights between Hartlepool’s unbeaten Peter Cope and South Shields’ scrapper David ‘Dynamite’ Lake, and Middlesbrough’s Francis Croes and South Shields’ Anthony ‘Babyface’ Nelson.
Also appearing will be Scottish heavyweight sensation Gary ‘The Highlander’ Cornish; Birtley’s Craig Dixon and Travis Dickinson; Easington’s Paul Archer; Fishburn’s Gary Fox; Scarborough’s Danny Price, and Spennymoor’s Ben Jackson will make his debut.
‘Supremacy’ is promoted by Maloney Promotions, in association with Phil Jeffries.
For ticket information please call 0774 7611 020.
(John Hannen – North East Fight Scene©)
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