Craig Dixon falls short in British title eliminator against Mike Towell

Photo credit: Stuart Ward, fightographer.co.uk

Fighting Chance welterweight Craig Dixon failed to capitalise on his British title eliminator opportunity by suffering a second-round stoppage defeat to ‘Iron’ Mike Towell, at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Scotland.

Dixon tasted victory in Scotland before, in 2013, when he outpointed Rhys Pagan. And the 29-year-old showed signs of replicating such success, when he overcame a pressing attack in the opening round to send his opponent crashing to the canvas via a swinging right hand.

The knockdown came as a surprise to those ringside, as with a single stoppage win to his name, Dixon was considered to be the astute boxer, and not the puncher in the eliminator clash.

However, the dream start wasn’t to last for long, and Towell, with help from the roaring home crowd started to get the better of high-tempo exchanges.

Towards the end of the second stanza, Towell wobbled Dixon momentarily and followed up by pinning his opponent against the ropes to fire a barrage of damaging blows. A continued heavy assault caused Dixon to slump against the ropes before Robert Williams stepped in and deemed him in no fit position to continue with 40 seconds left in the round.

By sealing the seventh stoppage win of his professional career, Towell secured a mandatory position for the British welterweight title – held by recently crowned Bradley Skeete. 

Meanwhile, Fighting Chance Promotions and Dixon will re-evaluate for the future and reflect on the second loss of his career. 

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to wish Mike Towell all the best for the future and thank Saltire Boxing for their hospitality.