Jon-Lewis Dickinson to face Tommy McCarthy in a British title eliminator on April 30

Jon-Lewis Dickinson will face Tommy McCarthy in an eliminator for the British Cruiserweight title on April 30.

Dickinson made headlines in 2015 by halting Stephen Simmons in a contest that was aired live on Sky Sports, and the County Durham boxer will get the opportunity to impress again on the big stage when he faces McCarthy on a show promoted by Eddie Hearn.

The 29-year-old has already won the Lonsdale belt outright, but believes a showdown with McCarthy could propel his career to the next level.

He said: “I’m not going to knock back these opportunities. I’ve won the British title before but boxing on Sky Sports is the sort of platform I’m after. It’s a win-win situation and could lead to bigger things.

“It will be a good fight against McCarthy. He’s unbeaten so far in his career and seems up for the challenge."

Before facing the Belfast boxer, Dickinson will headline Fighting Chance’s inaugural show on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

He added: “Originally I was going to fight for an international title on March 26, but with the McCarthy fight being agreed, we have decided to knock it down to a six-rounder. Since last year was quiet it’s good for me to keep busy.”

Speaking on the decision for Dickinson to box on a Matchroom show, at a venue still to be confirmed, Fighting Chance promoter Lewis Pendleton said:

“It’s a great platform for him to box on Sky Sports once again. He has already won the Lonsdale belt outright but this fight keeps him active and can hopefully push him towards world honours.  

“Jon’s manager and chief coach, Ron Rowe has done a fantastic job in keeping the relationship with Matchroom – and he deserves credit for that.”

Dickinson will be considered the more experienced of the two when they meet. However McCarthy, who is a 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, has proved his worth since turning over to the paid ranks and holds an unbeaten record in eight professional contests.

The pair have one common opponent in Courtney Fry, but hold contrasting results over the Liverpool boxer. McCarthy sealed a unanimous points victory over Fry, meanwhile Dickinson had to get off the canvas twice in the first round and consequently fell narrowly short on the referee’s scorecard.

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 fromwww.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk.

Fighting Chance Promotions and Jon-Lewis Dickinson would like to thank WM Utility Services and RevGear for their continued support.

Craig Dixon relishing away trip ahead of British title eliminator with Mike Towell

Craig Dixon is relishing the opportunity to be the away fighter when he challenges Mike Towell in a British welterweight title eliminator in Scotland.

Dixon has competed on the road throughout his amateur and professional career, and believes that being the underdog will bring the best out of him when he challenges Towell on March 5, at Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley.

‘The Birtley Bullet’ has tasted success in Scotland once before, in 2013, when he outpointed Rhys Pagan over six rounds in Aberdeen.

But the 29-year-old acknowledges Towell’s ability, and knows he will have to be at his best to be victorious on March 5.

He said: “I enjoy going into someone else’s backyard. I’ll be considered the underdog and I am relishing that. I’ve been the away fighter so many times, especially in the amateurs – so it is nothing new to me.

“I know what he is all about. He is a come forward fighter and I’m not going to underestimate him.

“It’s a classic boxer against a fighter, and I think a good boxer will always win. I’m working on some tactics in the gym. I’ve got to give myself the best chance possible by preparing properly.  With the right game plan though, I believe I will get the victory on March 5.”

Dixon suffered the first loss of his career to Lee Mould in November 2014, losing by a margin of a single point. However, after a break from the sport, ten months later he responded with intent by scoring the first stoppage of his career against Duane Grimes.

An invigorated Dixon now feels he has learnt key lessons from the Mould defeat.

He said: “This fight could be similar to the Mould fight if I allow it to be. That fight was a big learning curve for me, and there are big improvements I can make on the back of it and I need to take them into this fight with Towell.

“In my clash against Mould, I hurt him in the first round and it was the worst thing that could of happened. After that, I never really got back to my boxing.

"Prior to the Mould fight I wasn’t able to do any roadwork due to a knee injury. I still managed to go the full ten rounds and that gives me confidence going into this fight. I can go the full distance and there is no doubt about that.”

Both Dixon and Towell have the incentive that a win could propel their career to a higher level, and a potential clash with Matchroom’s Sam Eggington – who is the current holder of the British welterweight title.

Dixon added: “If I win this fight there are some big fights out there, such as facing Sam Eggington for the British title. That is why I need to make sure I win this fight first and foremost.

“But it is definitely great motivation. Those are the sort of fights I want to have. I am at that level where one win can make a massive difference to my career.”

Want to be part of #TeamDixon in Paisley on March 5? Contact the official Fighting Chance Facebook page, or email fightingchancemedia@hotmail.com if you are interested in booking a seat on the bus that will be travelling to Lagoon Leisure Centre.