Travis Dickinson steps away from professional boxing

Fighting Chance light-heavyweight Travis Dickinson has called time on his professional boxing career after deciding to pursue interests elsewhere.

After 19 professional fights, Dickinson leaves the professional boxing scene with a collection of achievements, including winning and defending the English title, lifting the Prizefighter trophy and being a finalist in Channel 5’s MaxiNutrition Tournament.

Speaking on his decision to retire, Dickinson said on social media: “After a long hard think I've decided to retire from professional boxing. It’s too tiring and I just can’t make 12-and a half stone anymore.”

Following an impressive amateur career, Travis followed older brother Jon-Lewis by turning professional in 2009, and won his first seven fights before entering and winning Prizefighter in 2011.

Three more victories led Dickinson to his first shot at a major title, as he challenged Bob Ajisafe for the English light-heavyweight title.  However, the Birtley boxer fell short and was on the receiving end of a points decision loss.

Dickinson entered Channel 5’s Max-Nutrition tournament in 2014, and his all-action style led him to become a fan-favourite, as he stopped Danny McIntosh in the third round to lift the English title.

In his first defence of the coveted belt against Matty Clarkson, fans were treated to one of the ‘fights of 2014’, and the all-action affair urged Showtime’s Al Bernstein to say that the fight represented the best of boxing.

Both boxers were knocked down on three occasions, before Dickinson booked his place in the Maxi-Nutrition final when Clarkson’s cheek injury deemed him in no position to continue.

In unfortunate circumstances, Dickinson never got the chance to avenge his defeat to Ajiisafe in the tournament’s finale, due to suffering a leg injury only days before the fight.

In his last appearance he returned on Matchroom Sport’s Newcastle bill in April, but suffered a damaging blow as Mustafa Chadlioui sent him crashing to the canvas in the first round.

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Travis for his hard work, and wish him all the best for the future.

Craig Dixon lands British title eliminator against Mike Towell

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce that Craig Dixon has been granted a British title eliminator against Mike Towell.

The welterweight contest is subject to purse bids on the 9^th of December, with the eliminator set to take place before the end of March 2016.

Only last month, ‘The Birtley Bullet’ returned after an 11-month layoff and showed little signs of ring-rust as he stopped Duane Grimes within two rounds to earn the first stoppage victory of his career.

Dixon will be keen to build on momentum by forging a shot for the coveted British strap, but in order to earn a title opportunity, will have to come past a tough opponent in the form of Towell.

The 24-year-old Scot holds an unbeaten record in nine fights, and was steered to a Scottish Area title in December 2014 by manager, Tommy Gilmour. 

On paper little separates Dixon and Towell, as they both comfortably defeated the two opponents they have in common (Kevin McAuley and Rhys Pagan).

But Fighting Chance head coach, Ron Rowe MBE, believes that now is the right time for Dixon to campaign for major honours.

He said: “Craig can beat anyone on his day, he’s a really good talent. He’s come through the right way and now is the time for him to be let off the leash.

"For anyone going into professional boxing, even getting near a British title is absolutely fantastic. Fighting Chance have been pushing him in the right direction, and he has done the business in the ring.”

"He’s been given the opportunity by the board on merit, and we are going to do everything in our power to prepare Craig in the best possible way.”

Sam Eggington, who is managed by Matchroom Sport, is the current holder of the British Welterweight title, but Rowe is eager to concentrate on one fight at a time before targeting the British champion.

He added: “We need to take one step at a time. The priority is to get past Towell first. He’s a tough fighter and it will be an exciting fight between him and Craig.”

If you would like to sponsor Craig Dixon in his bid for title glory, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message Fighting Chance's official facebook page, and we will get back to you.