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. 

Andrew Buchanan to face Kelvin Young in English title eliminator

Andrew Buchanan (left) in action. All photos courtesy of www.ImagesBySW.com

Fighting Chance’s Andrew Buchanan is edging towards a long-awaited title opportunity as he has been granted an English title eliminator against Kelvin Young.

The contest has been approved by the BBBoC and will go to purse bids on October 14, with the eliminator scheduled to take place before the end of January.

The winner will be made mandatory challenger for the English super middleweight title, which is currently held by Jahmaine Smyle.

Speaking on landing an English title eliminator for Buchanan, Fighting Chance head coach Ronnie Rowe said:

“It took a lot of discussion and planning, but the board have approved the request for Andy to be considered for the English title, and have therefore granted an eliminator.

“I am delighted that we have got Andy this opportunity. It is fully deserved and gives him a chance of fighting for a major title in the near future.”

Buchanan has had an unconventional boxing career, as the Newcastle fighter originally hung up his gloves in 2005 after pursuing a full-time job that would help provide financial security for his family. 

But eight years later, Buchanan returned to the sport, and has held a six-fight unbeaten streak since, which has allowed him to enter title contention.

With an English title eliminator looming, the 35-year-old’s best years could still be ahead of him, but Rowe has warned that Kelvin Young should not be taken lightly.

“Andy has the ability to go on and win the English title, but first he must take care of Kelvin Young, which will be no easy task.”

Rowe added: “Andy made the tough decision to return to boxing, and since signing him we have delivered on our promise to create opportunities. While Andy does the work in the ring, full credit must go to the Fighting Chance set-up for getting Andy to this stage."

If you, or your company would like to be part of Buchanan’s bid for title glory via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

Andrew Buchanan to fight for Northern Area title on August 21

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce that Andrew Buchanan will challenge for the Northern Area title on August 21 at the Academy For Sport, against Greg O'Neil, subject to the contest being approved by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Since returning to the professional ranks in 2013 after an eight-year absence, Buchanan has gone on a six-fight unbeaten streak, and has made a steady rise up the super-middleweight rankings.

At the age of 35, Buchanan is in a hurry, and the Northern Area belt could be a potential launchpad to further honours, including the English and British title.

The Newcastle-born boxer expressed his delight at landing the title shot, labelling the area title clash as the 'biggest fight of his career.'

He said: "It's a massive opportunity for me. I want to challenge for the English title, and this is something I have to do before then. I want to prove I'm the best in the region before looking up and down the country.

"I returned to the sport for the glory and to win titles, and because of my age I can't hang about. There is no way I will be looking past this fight, I know how much is riding on it.

"Ronnie Rowe and Lewis Pendleton have really got behind me. They have put their time, effort and money to get me these opportunities because they believe in me. It's up to me to prove them right when I get in the ring."

Greg O'Neil, who is based out of the Gus Robinson Developments gym in Hartlepool, will oppose 'El Cannon' over ten rounds.

The 24-year old has suffered two defeats in five outings, against London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo and Lewis Taylor, who currently holds the English middleweight title.

With O'Neil's defeats only being against top quality opposition, Buchanan is more than aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

"I'm expecting ten hard rounds, so that is what we are training for. I've never seen him box, but I've got a rough idea of what kind of style he's got and what he brings to the table.

"All of the boxers at Gus Robinson Developments gym in Hartlepool are tough, strong lads. I know I'm going to be in for a hard fight, and there is no such thing as a pushover. I've got to be at my best to beat him."

Fighting Chance director Lewis Pendleton is confident that Buchanan can challenge for domestic titles, and complimented the efforts of Mick Marsden, who matched Buchanan with O'Neil.

He said: “Navigating Andy to a Northern Area title shot is something we have aimed for in the past few months, and we are delighted to have landed this brilliant opportunity for him.

“Andy has exceptional boxing ability and like all our fighters, he needs challenged to see how far he can go. 

"We believe landing a Northern Area title clash for Andy is a stepping-stone towards bigger things, and that includes perhaps an English or even a British title shot. If Andy is to box for domestic honours, then these are the sort of fights he needs to win."

Fighting Chance Promotions are optimistic that Andrew Buchanan’s Northern Area title clash on August 21 will be a stepping-stone to bigger things, including potential title-shots for the English or British title.

If you, or your company would like to be part of Buchanan’s bid for title glory via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

Purse bids ordered for English title clash between Travis Dickinson and Miles Shinkwin

Miles Shinkwin has been named as the mandatory challenger for Travis Dickinson's English light heavyweight title.

The English Championship stewards have put the contest to purse bids, with the deadline being the 12th of August, and the fight set to take place before the end of November.

Dickinson captured the English title in March of last year, where he defeated Danny McIntosh in a third round stoppage victory.

In his first defence of the title, Dickinson was involved in an enthralling contest against Matty Clarkson, which was subsequently labelled as a contender for fight of the year. Both fighters tasted the canvas on three occasions, but the Birtley-born boxer was crowned the winner after the referee halted the contest -  due to Clarkson's broken jaw leaving him in no fit state to continue.

Shinkwin, who holds an unblemished record in 11 fights, will hope to add to his Southern Area strap, and a match-up against Dickinson would mark familiar territory, as the pair held a competitive rivalry in the unpaid ranks.

Back in April, Dickinson suffered a damaging first round defeat to Mustafa Chadlioui, but the 27-year old has the chance to put his career back on track when he headlines Summer Showdown 1 on July 24, which takes place at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead International Stadium.

Andrew Buchanan will also feature on the stacked card, and will be hopeful that an English title shot could be on the horizon after the proposed English title contest between Jahmaine Smyle and Kelvin Young received no purse bids.

Fighting Chance stablemates Jone TK and Mark White will make their professional debuts on the July 24 bill, while Lewis Scott is looking to avenge his defeat to Simone Lucas.

Tickets for the Relentless Promotions, in association with Fighting Chance Promotions, Summer Showdown show, at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead International Stadium, on July 24 are available from all fighters on the bill and direct from http://www.wraithpromotions.com or by calling 0191 2299632. Tickets start from £35.