Travis Dickinson steps away from professional boxing

Fighting Chance light-heavyweight Travis Dickinson has called time on his professional boxing career after deciding to pursue interests elsewhere.

After 19 professional fights, Dickinson leaves the professional boxing scene with a collection of achievements, including winning and defending the English title, lifting the Prizefighter trophy and being a finalist in Channel 5’s MaxiNutrition Tournament.

Speaking on his decision to retire, Dickinson said on social media: “After a long hard think I've decided to retire from professional boxing. It’s too tiring and I just can’t make 12-and a half stone anymore.”

Following an impressive amateur career, Travis followed older brother Jon-Lewis by turning professional in 2009, and won his first seven fights before entering and winning Prizefighter in 2011.

Three more victories led Dickinson to his first shot at a major title, as he challenged Bob Ajisafe for the English light-heavyweight title.  However, the Birtley boxer fell short and was on the receiving end of a points decision loss.

Dickinson entered Channel 5’s Max-Nutrition tournament in 2014, and his all-action style led him to become a fan-favourite, as he stopped Danny McIntosh in the third round to lift the English title.

In his first defence of the coveted belt against Matty Clarkson, fans were treated to one of the ‘fights of 2014’, and the all-action affair urged Showtime’s Al Bernstein to say that the fight represented the best of boxing.

Both boxers were knocked down on three occasions, before Dickinson booked his place in the Maxi-Nutrition final when Clarkson’s cheek injury deemed him in no position to continue.

In unfortunate circumstances, Dickinson never got the chance to avenge his defeat to Ajiisafe in the tournament’s finale, due to suffering a leg injury only days before the fight.

In his last appearance he returned on Matchroom Sport’s Newcastle bill in April, but suffered a damaging blow as Mustafa Chadlioui sent him crashing to the canvas in the first round.

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Travis for his hard work, and wish him all the best for the future.

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.

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.