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.