Craig Dixon falls short in British title eliminator against Mike Towell

Photo credit: Stuart Ward, fightographer.co.uk

Fighting Chance welterweight Craig Dixon failed to capitalise on his British title eliminator opportunity by suffering a second-round stoppage defeat to ‘Iron’ Mike Towell, at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Scotland.

Dixon tasted victory in Scotland before, in 2013, when he outpointed Rhys Pagan. And the 29-year-old showed signs of replicating such success, when he overcame a pressing attack in the opening round to send his opponent crashing to the canvas via a swinging right hand.

The knockdown came as a surprise to those ringside, as with a single stoppage win to his name, Dixon was considered to be the astute boxer, and not the puncher in the eliminator clash.

However, the dream start wasn’t to last for long, and Towell, with help from the roaring home crowd started to get the better of high-tempo exchanges.

Towards the end of the second stanza, Towell wobbled Dixon momentarily and followed up by pinning his opponent against the ropes to fire a barrage of damaging blows. A continued heavy assault caused Dixon to slump against the ropes before Robert Williams stepped in and deemed him in no fit position to continue with 40 seconds left in the round.

By sealing the seventh stoppage win of his professional career, Towell secured a mandatory position for the British welterweight title – held by recently crowned Bradley Skeete. 

Meanwhile, Fighting Chance Promotions and Dixon will re-evaluate for the future and reflect on the second loss of his career. 

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to wish Mike Towell all the best for the future and thank Saltire Boxing for their hospitality.

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.

Craig Dixon to travel to Scotland for British title eliminator against Mike Towell

Fighting Chance Promotions have come to an agreement with Tommy Gilmour to host the British title eliminator between Craig Dixon and Mike Towell in Scotland.

Following lengthy negotiations, Fighting Chance agreed that the welterweight contest will be hosted on a Tommy Gilmour show, on the condition that the date will be suitable for both parties, and a neutral referee will be provided.

The bout is likely to take place in March in either Stirling or Dundee.

Speaking on the deal, Fighting Chance director Lewis Pendleton said: “We are delighted that Craig has a British title eliminator, and are confident that he can get the win in Towell’s backyard.

“Both teams made significant purse bids, but after protracted negotiations we decided that a fight in Scotland would make most financial sense for both fighters.

“We hope that a number of fans can join us in Scotland as Craig competes in the biggest fight of his career to date.”

‘The Birtley Bullet’ made a bold statement in his last outing as he stopped Duane Grimes in the second round to seal the first stoppage win of his career.

And Dixon will be confident entering Towell’s home patch, as the last time he fought in Scotland in 2013, he took a comfortable points decision victory over Rhys Pagan.

The British title eliminator promises to provide a true clash of styles, as Towell’s all-action approach has led to six knockout victories in ten fights and has earned him the nickname of the ‘Scottish Tyson’.

Whoever comes out on top between Towell and Dixon will edge closer to a shot at the British welterweight title, which is currently held by Sam Eggington, who won the coveted belt against Glenn Foot in July.

Fighting Chance Promotions are offering an exciting opportunity to sponsor Craig Dixon in his journey to a major title shot. If you are interested in increasing the exposure for your brand, please contact fighting.chance@mail.com for more details.

Fighting Chance and Craig Dixon would also like to thank VGS Global and Beta 2 for their continued support. 

Craig Dixon lands British title eliminator against Mike Towell

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce that Craig Dixon has been granted a British title eliminator against Mike Towell.

The welterweight contest is subject to purse bids on the 9^th of December, with the eliminator set to take place before the end of March 2016.

Only last month, ‘The Birtley Bullet’ returned after an 11-month layoff and showed little signs of ring-rust as he stopped Duane Grimes within two rounds to earn the first stoppage victory of his career.

Dixon will be keen to build on momentum by forging a shot for the coveted British strap, but in order to earn a title opportunity, will have to come past a tough opponent in the form of Towell.

The 24-year-old Scot holds an unbeaten record in nine fights, and was steered to a Scottish Area title in December 2014 by manager, Tommy Gilmour. 

On paper little separates Dixon and Towell, as they both comfortably defeated the two opponents they have in common (Kevin McAuley and Rhys Pagan).

But Fighting Chance head coach, Ron Rowe MBE, believes that now is the right time for Dixon to campaign for major honours.

He said: “Craig can beat anyone on his day, he’s a really good talent. He’s come through the right way and now is the time for him to be let off the leash.

"For anyone going into professional boxing, even getting near a British title is absolutely fantastic. Fighting Chance have been pushing him in the right direction, and he has done the business in the ring.”

"He’s been given the opportunity by the board on merit, and we are going to do everything in our power to prepare Craig in the best possible way.”

Sam Eggington, who is managed by Matchroom Sport, is the current holder of the British Welterweight title, but Rowe is eager to concentrate on one fight at a time before targeting the British champion.

He added: “We need to take one step at a time. The priority is to get past Towell first. He’s a tough fighter and it will be an exciting fight between him and Craig.”

If you would like to sponsor Craig Dixon in his bid for title glory, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message Fighting Chance's official facebook page, and we will get back to you.