Jon-Lewis Dickinson is widely regarded as
one of the North East’s most decorated boxers, and the 29-year-old is confident
that a successful 2016 could lead towards world honours.
On a memorable show at the Metro Radio
Arena last April, Dickinson proved his worth by halting Stephen Simmons in the
eighth round to claim the WBC International Silver title.
However he has not been able to build on
that win due to a frustrating period on the sidelines.
He said: “It is nearly a year since my
fight against Simmons. Eddie Hearn spoke to me after that win and said that I
would feature on another Sky Sports show later in the year. But the show fell
through before eventually being cancelled.
“With my wife giving birth I’ve had time at
home, but after a long break I now want to keep active and get out as often as
possible. Mentally and physically it’s tough to be out for a long time. If
you’ve got nothing to train for it’s hard to stay motivated in the gym.”
The County Durham boxer makes his highly
anticipated return to the ring on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre against Poland’s Wladimir Letr, who in his last
fight on British soil provided a tricky test for Simon Vallily.
As Dickinson prepares for a busy 2016, with
a British title eliminator scheduled against Tommy McCarthy, he is wary about underestimating Letr or any opponent he faces – a
mistake he admits he made in the past.
“I’ve been in situations before where I’ve
underestimated opponents and paid the price. I broke my jaw against Richard
Turba and underestimated Courtney Fry’s punch power.
“I need to be switched on for every minute
of the fight, and view every opponent as a threat. Letr is a big bloke and
ultimately if a 14-stone lad hits you flush on the chin, it’s going to hurt. At
the end of the day, any fight is a potential banana skin but it’s important for
me to take this fight to keep active.”
After his recent trip to Latvia to spar
Mairis Bredis, who was recently crowned IBF-Intercontinental champion,
Dickinson has found a new sense of confidence that he can challenge at the
highest level.
“The opportunity came along and I had to
take it. I was sparring one of the best cruiserweights in the world and that
gave me a lot of confidence knowing that I could mix it with someone at world
level. It provided a really good guide to where I’m at.
“I know what I’m capable of when I’m fit
and ready. I’m pushing towards fights with Tony Bellew, and a rematch with
Ovill McKenzie. I believe I’m one of the best cruiserweights out there, and
definitely in Britain. I just need to prove it and keep busy.”
Dickinson’s career has been full of ups and
downs. He first burst on to the British boxing scene by lifting the
Prizefighter crown as a five-fight novice. Unexpectedly that was soon followed
by two shock defeats, in six-rounders to Tyrone Wright and Richard Turba. To
add to the disappointment, a broken jaw meant ten months of inactivity.
But he returned with intent and wins
against David Dolan for the Northern Area title, and over Matty Askins for the
English belt meant that his career was back on track. His title hunt continued
and came to fruition when a points decision victory against Shane McPhilbin
earned him the British title.
Defences against David Dolan, Mike Stafford
and Neil Dawson made history, as he then became the first Tyneside boxer to win
the Lonsdale belt outright.
However, just three months later, The
Upsetter’ Ovill McKenzie lived up to his nickname by stopping Dickinson within
two rounds. Defeat meant he was stripped of his belts and a seven-fight streak
came to a sudden halt.
Upon reflection Dickinson believes the
defeat against McKenzie and the following loss to Courtney Fry was largely down
to a poor state of mind.
“I was in a state of depression when I was
training for Ovill McKenzie, it was a tough time in my career. In truth I
should have pulled out. My head wasn’t on the job. It wasn’t me in the ring
against him.”
In a career-best win Dickinson bounced back
with a re-vitilased performance against Simmons, and is now enjoying the sport
of boxing more than ever.
He added: “I am now back to enjoying
boxing. In the past I haven’t been a massive fan of the sport, I only did it
because I was good at it. But I’m starting to really appreciate it now and I am
looking forward to keeping busy.
“It’s exciting to be fighting regularly again. In the past I haven’t had that feeling of excitement. Something has just
clicked.”
Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Fightstore Pro and WM Utility Services for their continued support.
Fighting Chance Promotions host ‘Genesis’ – a night of professional boxing show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. The bill includes an array of North East talent, including Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Glenn Foot, Josh Leather, Jone TK and Mark White amongst others.
