Jon-Lewis Dickinson to face Tommy McCarthy in a British title eliminator on April 30

Jon-Lewis Dickinson will face Tommy McCarthy in an eliminator for the British Cruiserweight title on April 30.

Dickinson made headlines in 2015 by halting Stephen Simmons in a contest that was aired live on Sky Sports, and the County Durham boxer will get the opportunity to impress again on the big stage when he faces McCarthy on a show promoted by Eddie Hearn.

The 29-year-old has already won the Lonsdale belt outright, but believes a showdown with McCarthy could propel his career to the next level.

He said: “I’m not going to knock back these opportunities. I’ve won the British title before but boxing on Sky Sports is the sort of platform I’m after. It’s a win-win situation and could lead to bigger things.

“It will be a good fight against McCarthy. He’s unbeaten so far in his career and seems up for the challenge."

Before facing the Belfast boxer, Dickinson will headline Fighting Chance’s inaugural show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

He added: “Originally I was going to fight for an international title on March 26, but with the McCarthy fight being agreed, we have decided to knock it down to a six-rounder. Since last year was quiet it’s good for me to keep busy.”

Speaking on the decision for Dickinson to box on a Matchroom show, at a venue still to be confirmed, Fighting Chance promoter Lewis Pendleton said:

“It’s a great platform for him to box on Sky Sports once again. He has already won the Lonsdale belt outright but this fight keeps him active and can hopefully push him towards world honours.  

“Jon’s manager and chief coach, Ron Rowe has done a fantastic job in keeping the relationship with Matchroom – and he deserves credit for that.”

Dickinson will be considered the more experienced of the two when they meet. However McCarthy, who is a 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, has proved his worth since turning over to the paid ranks and holds an unbeaten record in eight professional contests.

The pair have one common opponent in Courtney Fry, but hold contrasting results over the Liverpool boxer. McCarthy sealed a unanimous points victory over Fry, meanwhile Dickinson had to get off the canvas twice in the first round and consequently fell narrowly short on the referee’s scorecard.

Dickinson will headline 'Genesis' on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, which includes a host of other North East talent, including Josh Leather, Jone TK, Mark White, Herry Biembe and Basi Razaq amongst others.

Tickets for Genesis can be purchased from any boxers on the bill or fromwww.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk.

Fighting Chance Promotions and Jon-Lewis Dickinson would like to thank WM Utility Services and RevGear for their continued support.

Fighting Chance agree partnership with FitFresh&Healthy

Fighting Chance Promotions have agreed a partnership with FitFresh & Healthy who supply healthy, fresh food at a great price.

The agreement means that the food and nutrients store based in Team Valley will fuel all of Fighting Chance’s boxers during their tough training camps.

Supporters of Fighting Chance can use the code ‘TeamFC’ when at the online checkout to get £2 off selected orders. Orders can be made online at www.fit-fresh-healthy.co.uk for a next day delivery service, or alternatively the order can be prepared for collection.

All suppliers are local and provide long lasting flavoursome food. Shopping at FitFresh & Healthy means you can save money without compromising on quality.

Follow FitFresh & Healthy on social media:

Facebook.com/Fitfreshandhealthy

Twitter: @fitfresh247

Jon-Lewis Dickinson in Latvia to act as chief sparring partner for Mairis Breidis

Fighting Chance cruiserweight Jon-Lewis Dickinson is currently in Latvia to act as one of Mairis Bredis’ chief sparring partners.

Bredis’ management sought out Dickinson’s services ahead of their IBF inter-continental clash with Danie Venter on Feb 21.

The County Durham boxer is one of two sparring partners alongside Iago Kiladze – who holds a record of 24 wins and one loss. 

Speaking on his time in Latvia, Dickinson said:

“It’s a great experience to be out here. I’m trying to pick up tips from a different training environment and learn as much as I can.”

2016 could prove to be a busy year for the 29-year-old as he prepares for his first fight since a career-best victory against Stephen Simmons in April, where he lifted the WBC International Silver title.

Dickinson will headline 'Genesis' on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre, which includes a host of other North East talent, including Josh Leather, Jone TK, Mark White, Herry Biembe and Basi Razaq amongst others.

Tickets for Genesis can be purchased from any boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk.

Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Revgear and WM Utility services for their continued support. 

Craig Dixon relishing away trip ahead of British title eliminator with Mike Towell

Craig Dixon is relishing the opportunity to be the away fighter when he challenges Mike Towell in a British welterweight title eliminator in Scotland.

Dixon has competed on the road throughout his amateur and professional career, and believes that being the underdog will bring the best out of him when he challenges Towell on March 5, at Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley.

‘The Birtley Bullet’ has tasted success in Scotland once before, in 2013, when he outpointed Rhys Pagan over six rounds in Aberdeen.

But the 29-year-old acknowledges Towell’s ability, and knows he will have to be at his best to be victorious on March 5.

He said: “I enjoy going into someone else’s backyard. I’ll be considered the underdog and I am relishing that. I’ve been the away fighter so many times, especially in the amateurs – so it is nothing new to me.

“I know what he is all about. He is a come forward fighter and I’m not going to underestimate him.

“It’s a classic boxer against a fighter, and I think a good boxer will always win. I’m working on some tactics in the gym. I’ve got to give myself the best chance possible by preparing properly.  With the right game plan though, I believe I will get the victory on March 5.”

Dixon suffered the first loss of his career to Lee Mould in November 2014, losing by a margin of a single point. However, after a break from the sport, ten months later he responded with intent by scoring the first stoppage of his career against Duane Grimes.

An invigorated Dixon now feels he has learnt key lessons from the Mould defeat.

He said: “This fight could be similar to the Mould fight if I allow it to be. That fight was a big learning curve for me, and there are big improvements I can make on the back of it and I need to take them into this fight with Towell.

“In my clash against Mould, I hurt him in the first round and it was the worst thing that could of happened. After that, I never really got back to my boxing.

"Prior to the Mould fight I wasn’t able to do any roadwork due to a knee injury. I still managed to go the full ten rounds and that gives me confidence going into this fight. I can go the full distance and there is no doubt about that.”

Both Dixon and Towell have the incentive that a win could propel their career to a higher level, and a potential clash with Matchroom’s Sam Eggington – who is the current holder of the British welterweight title.

Dixon added: “If I win this fight there are some big fights out there, such as facing Sam Eggington for the British title. That is why I need to make sure I win this fight first and foremost.

“But it is definitely great motivation. Those are the sort of fights I want to have. I am at that level where one win can make a massive difference to my career.”

Want to be part of #TeamDixon in Paisley on March 5? Contact the official Fighting Chance Facebook page, or email fightingchancemedia@hotmail.com if you are interested in booking a seat on the bus that will be travelling to Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Introducing Fighting Chance’s latest signing: Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones

Former mixed martial artist, Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones has signed a deal with Fighting Chance Promotions in a switch to professional boxing.

In making the turnover, the 25-year-old joins a growing promotional outfit after director Lewis Pendleton took out a promoter’s license last month.

The move will come as a surprise to many, but Jones, who has featured in over 100 competitive bouts across mixed martial arts, kickboxing and white-collar boxing is adamant that the transition to boxing is long overdue.

Subject to board approval, Jones will make his professional debut on Fighting Chance’s inaugural show, on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

He said: “I have kept myself busy in other disciplines, but boxing was never far away. I continued with it throughout my career in mixed martial arts. Everybody would notice that my boxing was at a very high level.

“I always knew my passion was boxing.  I’ve decided to be true to myself and just give myself a chance. After all I’ve boxed since I was seven years old. I owe it to myself to be a professional boxer.

“Now is the right time. I’m at the perfect age as I’m mature and have life experience. I know what is involved to challenge at the highest level and win titles, and that’s what I intend to do.”

In his youth, Jones boxed at Birtley ABC and is therefore already familiar with some of the names at Fighting Chance – including Mark White and Craig Dixon.

The Gateshead-born fighter won British and European accolades in the amateur and semi-professional mixed martial arts scene, and with the help of hard work hopes to crossover his success to the professional ranks of boxing.

The middleweight prospect added: “Upon signing for Fighting Chance, I did my homework first. I would not just go professional with anybody. This is the right team for me and that’s why I chose to come here.

“They have four shows scheduled for this year. Hopefully I can feature on all four and build a solid foundation.

“I am in the gym every night and I am happy with how everything has been going. I’ve only been training with Fighting Chance since December and I already feel so much better. Come March 26, I’ll be ready to fire on all cylinders on my professional debut."

Subject to board approval, Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones will make his professional debut on ‘Genesis’, on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. Tickets can be purchased via any boxers on the bill, or on www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk