James Barnes drops to light-heavyweight in a bid to revive career

Newcastle-based boxer James Barnes cuts an almost unrecognisable figure compared to his last outing eight months ago, and the former heavyweight is determined to prove a point in his next bout, on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

The 33-year-old made a successful debut in November 2014, but was left disheartened after several consecutive defeats. A stoppage loss against Michael Dixon in July was the final straw, and made Barnes realise that drastic action had to be taken in order to revive his career.

After shedding over six stone, Barnes is feeling better than ever and is ready to start a new chapter at light heavyweight.

“I came close to retiring from boxing after losing to Michael Dixon, but I decided that with the amount of time and effort I’ve put into boxing I had to continue.

“I’ve had a few bad fights and a number of decisions go against me, so I decided to move down two weight divisions. Originally I was going to aim for Cruiserweight but the weight kept coming off.

“I am looking forward to showing off my new skills at light heavyweight. I’ve changed my boxing style completely and haven’t lost any punching power. As far as I’m concerned I’m starting from scratch and it’s like my debut again.”

Barnes, who trains out of Jobes gym in Benwell, has seen a career revamp in the last few months – and has added the services of trainer Keith McDonald.

He added: “Keith got in touch and said he wanted to help train me as he saw potential and doesn’t believe my record does my ability any justice.

“Since he’s come on board he’s got me to where I should be. Now that I’ve moved down in weight there will be more fights available. Hopefully I can get on more home shows to settle at the weight before going on the road again.”

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. 

Tickets can be purchased from any of the boxers on the bill or from www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk.

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.