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.

Reinvigorated Dixon sets sights on Mould rematch after gaining first stoppage victory

Craig Dixon (13-1) has declared that he is a reinvigorated fighter after scoring the first stoppage of his career against Duane Grimes.

Dixon, 29, had been out of the ring for 11 months, but proved he’s still a threat to be reckoned with after unleashing a barrage of hooks that forced the referee to halt the contest in the second round.

With Grimes holding four knockout losses on his record prior to the contest, Dixon was always confident that he had the ability to end the fight early.

He said: “It’s a monkey off my back. I knew he was there for the taking and I was capable of stopping him.

“It’s been a long time coming. In other fights, I’ve come close to getting the stoppage but the opportunity has always slipped past me.

“Hopefully I can get more stoppages in the future.”

Only last November ‘The Birtley Bullet’ suffered a narrow points decision loss to Lee Mould in a Northern Area title fight.

However after some time out of the ring, Dixon now feels ready to surge towards a title challenge and has a rematch with Mould well within his sights.

Dixon added: “I’ve got that hunger back, and I’m ready for the big fights.

“I’m chasing titles and it’s time for people to fight me now. Facing Grimes was a good fight to come back to, but I want bigger things in this sport.

“Mould said after our last fight that he would give me a rematch, so hopefully he sticks to his word.

“I don’t understand why the rematch hasn’t happened yet, I believe it’s a fight the fans desperately want to see.”

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

FIGHT REPORT: Fighting Chance trio win convincingly in Dunston

Mark White (left) with trainer Gary Barr (Images courtesy of www.ImagesBySW.com)

Fighting Chance's Craig Dixon, Mark White and Jone TK continued the stable's winning momentum with all three coming out on top at the Lancastrian Suite, Dunston.

Mark White (1-0) topped the bill in his second professional fight, and outclassed Harvey Hemsley (3-16-1) to take a points decision victory. 

Hemsley holds a reputation of providing stern tests for upcoming prospects, and from the opening bell the super featherweight contest showed signs that it would be a crowd-pleaser as both boxers fought at a fast-paced tempo and exchanged heavy fire. 

In the second round, White displayed his impressive punch variety and the uppercut proved to be key in breaking down his opponent's defence. However the Birtley boxer didn't have it all his own way and was consistently tagged with stinging bodyshots in return. 

White's superior technique and conditioning paid dividends, as he looked the fresher man in the third and fourth round, which allowed him to find success through his quick-fire combinations. 

Upon hearing the referee's scorecard, White was crowned the winner through a 40-37 verdict in his favour. 

The 24-year-old moves his professional record to (2-0) and Hemsley proved to be the perfect learning fight for his development. 

After 11 months out, Craig Dixon (12-1) returned to the professional boxing scene with a bang as he scored the first stoppage of his career against Duane Grimes (1-8).

Dixon had not featured since his Northern Area title defeat to Lee Mould last November, but started the contest with purpose as he utilised his jab to set-up a number of scathing attacks which shook and hurt Grimes.

‘The Birtley Bullet’ stepped up a gear in the second round and dispatched of his opponent after landing a barrage of hooks that forced the referee to step-in and halt the contest.

By earning the first stoppage of his career and boosting his record to (13-1), Dixon sent a message of intent to his welterweight competitors and local rival Lee Mould, who was watching ringside.

Jone TK was the first Fighting Chance boxer of the night to feature, and marked his professional debut by beating Larry Olumbamiwo in a convincing points decision victory.

Olumbamiwo towered over TK with a considerable size advantage, but the Fijian heavyweight was able to use his speed and nimble footwork to land a number of effective ambush attacks.

TK continued to navigate past Olumbamiwo’s jab, but often found himself frustrated as the Londoner adopted negative tactics and fired little in return.

Olumbamiwo was shook momentarily in the third, but TK was unable to get rid off his opponent. However upon hearing the final bell, the Fighting Chance heavyweight won 40-37 on the referee's scorecard. 

TK, who joined Fighting Chance’s growing stable in June, made an impressive debut and will hope to build on his professional record in the coming months.

Elsewhere on the bill, Jeff Saunders continued his knock-out streak by defeating Sylwester Walczak in a first-round blowout, Tom Whitfield beat Danny Little in a points victory, and Richard O’Neil started his professional career with a win over Scott Hellman.

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank everyone who attended, and Beta 2, VGS Global, Electrical and Security Limited and Ravensworth Construction for their continued support. 

Mark White impresses on professional debut with landslide points victory

Mark White began his professional career with a comfortable points victory over Russ Midgley at the Riverside Lodge, Dunston.

White, 24, took every round on the referee’s scorecard to win 40-36, and showed his ability to quickly adapt to the professional game. 

He said: “I’m buzzing, I loved every second of it. I’ve put a lot of hard training in, and it all paid off tonight.

“It was totally different to the amateurs with no headguards and smaller gloves, but I soaked up every second and I enjoyed it.

“It was great to fight in front of all my friends and family, and hopefully with that performance the crowd will remember my name for next time."

The Birtley boxer signed with Fighting Chance in June, and was previously scheduled to kick-off his tenure in the paid ranks on July 24, but injuries to key fighters caused the Relentless Promotions show to be cancelled.

Upon making his highly anticipated professional debut, it was White’s first competitive bout for three years.

The 24-year old imposed himself as the aggressor from the opening bell, but with ring rust perhaps playing its part, Midgley remained threatening on the counter.

However, White began to find his rhythm in the second and pinned his opponent on the ropes before unleashing a number of quick-fire combinations.

Despite Midgley’s consistent showboating, White continued to utilise his fast hands to pile on the pressure.

In the final round, White controlled the tempo with consummate ease. Meanwhile the pace of the fight took its toll on Midgley as he went into reverse gear.

Speaking on sealing a 40-36 points victory, White said:

“It’s always nerve-wracking to get into the ring, but even more so that I hadn’t fought for three years. Once the ring rust started to wear off, I really got going.

“I’m tall for the weight so I was trying to keep my range.  I knew my shots were hurting on him, so I put even more pressure on him. He was showboating, but it didn’t faze me what so ever.

“It’s getting things going again and getting rid of the ring rust. Sparring with Anthony Nelson has boosted my confidence. My aim is to keep on working in the gym and improve with each fight.”

Mark White and Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank Ravensworth Construction for their continued support. 

Mark White determined to prove a point on professional debut

Jone TK (left) and Mark White (right). Photo credit to www.peepmagazine.co.uk 

Mark White is eager to put on a memorable performance when he makes his highly anticipated professional debut, on September 18, at Morpeth Riverside Lodge.

The Birtley boxer was previously scheduled to kick-off his career in the paid ranks on July 24, but injuries to key fighters caused the Relentless Promotions show to be postponed, before the re-arranged bill on August 21 was cancelled.

White, 24, was disappointed at the setback, but believes he is now more than ready to prove his ability, and display the rewards of his hard work.

He said: “I’ve been able to do plenty of training since I was last scheduled to fight, and I’ve improved a lot through that.

“When the opening bell goes it will be time to show all the hard work I’ve done in the gym.

“I definitely want the win and I will get it, but I also want to stand out so people remember me. I can’t wait to get in there and show what I can do.”

Morpeth’s first professional boxing show since the 1930’s includes three fighters making their debuts, as White joins Danny Wall and Paul Gidney.

Also on the bill is Anthony Nelson, who features for the first time since lifting the coveted Commonwealth strap in April.

In preparation for his first professional outing, White has had regular sparring sessions with Nelson, and the 24-year-old acknowledges that working alongside the Commonwealth champion has been a valuable experience.

“It’s great to learn from Anthony. He’s got a lot of experience and done really well for himself. The sparring has been really good, and I couldn’t ask for much better really.

"The amateur game compared to the professionals is very different, and working alongside him has helped me adapt and pick up new things.”

White, who was an amateur national champion, trained under Gary Barr and Ronnie Rowe for a period in the amateurs, and hailed his time with the duo as the best he had ever boxed.

Therefore when he decided to turn over to the professional ranks, he was keen to re-unite with Rowe and Barr at Fighting Chance Promotions.

As a result, White joined Fighting Chance in June, and is assured that the stable’s vast experience will be valuable as he starts his fledgling career.

“I feel settled into the Fighting Chance stable. We’ve got a great group and we all work together.

“The other lads have a lot more experience, so I’ve got them to look up to, and if I need advise I can approach them.

"Ronnie and Gary are great coaches as well.”

White added: “I’ve always wanted to turn professional. And now that I’ve got the chance to do it, I’m going to take the opportunity with both hands. I want to aim for the top and reach my full potential.”

If you, or your company want to to be part of Mark White’s bid for success in professional boxing via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

An open letter from directors Lewis Pendleton and Ron Rowe MBE‏: “We give boxers a Fighting Chance”

Fighting Chance Promotions were born out of giving boxers opportunities. In November 2013, we collaborated to develop and create unique opportunities for north east fighters. 

And a strong team has assembled since, which includes Gary Barr as trainer, Chris Clayton: MSC Performance Nutritionist, Andre Tulip: Physiotherapist, Martin Nugent and Louis Cunningham: Strength and conditioning coaches, Michael Briggs (MFB media): Digital and social media officer, Steven White: Chief photographer and our media officer, Nathan Orr. 

Strong foundations have been laid for the Fighting Chance stable, and the whole team work tirelessly to put the boxers in the best position possible - which is the least they deserve in such a tough sport. 

Craig Dixon with Gary Barr

Fighting Chance started this journey when Craig Dixon won the International Masters title on Steve Wraith’s ‘Young Guns’ bill. The show was important to build Craig and display his immense boxing ability. It has been difficult to match him since, but we believe his talent will allow him to go on to win major titles.

Jon-Lewis and Travis Dickinson have achieved great things in boxing, and it's a tremendous feat that both have won the Prizefighter tournament, which was aired live on Sky Sports.

After winning the competition, Jon-Lewis went on to win the Northern Area title, English title, and became the first boxer from Tyneside to retain the Lonsdale belt outright.

Meanwhile, Travis Dickinson has boxed in front of huge audiences. The highlight being when 2.6 million people tuned into his fight against Matty Clarkson, which was aired on Channel 5 and was hailed as a fight of the year contender.

In his upcoming fight, Travis has the opportunity to redeem his last defeat when he defends his English title, live on Boxnation, on October 30^th against Miles Shinkwin.

Reigning English light heavyweight champion, Travis Dickinson. 

Following the announcement that Matchroom Sport were coming to the north east after signing Bradley Saunders, we were introduced to Eddie Hearn and duly negotiated that Jon-Lewis and Travis would box on the Metro Radio Arena bill in April.

The highlight of the night for many was Jon-Lewis outboxing and stopping Stephen Simmons to win the WBC International title. For us it proved that by fully supporting our fighters, it provides the biggest platform for them to deliver.

In the past year, we have also kept our fighters busy by working with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We have added a number of exciting talents to our stable. Fijian heavyweight Jone TK joined earlier this summer and comes with a good amateur pedigree.

Also joining the team is Mark White who has boxed for England. It’s exciting to see how Mark will adapt to the professional game, and he will make his debut on September 18 on the ‘New Kids On The Block’ show, which will be promoted by Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

Lewis Scott holds a bright future and we look forward to seeing how far he can go in the sport. In the last few months, we have worked hard on getting him back to his best after injury troubles.

We are proud to have provided Andrew Buchanan a final chance in boxing, as we look to provide the opportunities he deserves. We were thoroughly disappointed that his Northern Area title shot fell through due to O’Neill picking up an injury. But Andy’s attitude is second to none, and he would cause problems for any fighter at domestic level.

New signings Jone TK and Mark White

Our team provides unrivalled opportunities having worked with major promoters like Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Mick Hennessy and Dennis Hobson, and of course our fruitful working relationship with Steve Wraith and Relentless Promotions.

We are happy to work with everyone and anyone for the best interests of our fighters and we are able to get these opportunities due to the ability of our boxers and the dedication of the team behind them. 

Fighting Chance Promotions would like to thank all of our partners and sponsors who make things possible. Special thanks must go to MFB media, ImagesBSW, Portland Consulting Engineers, Arch Homes, WM utilities, Onesign print and digital, Ravensworth Construction, Zoemick commercials, Wear Mini Mix, Roflow, Winns Solicitors, Intu Metroentre, Made Television and  VGS Global.

Together we are #TeamFC.

Lewis Scott: "I'm back to my old self and I'll show it on August 21"

Images courtesy of Steven White/www.ImagesBySW.com

Lewis Scott has declared that he is back to his former self ahead of fighting on August 21, at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead Stadium.

The Newbiggin boxer dislocated his shoulder in a loss to Rhys Pagan in November and has struggled to get back to winning ways since. (Losing a narrow points decision to Simone Lucas in May.)

However, Scott has worked hard on the rehabilitation of his shoulder and now feels he can re-create the form that saw him begin his career with five straight victories.

He said: “I was apprehensive about my shoulder in the last fight and as a result I was hesitating too much. But I had to get in the ring at some stage.

“This time round I haven’t had any problems with my shoulder. I’m back to my old self. I’m looping my left hands in and I’m putting the pressure on my opponents again in sparring.

“I’m a come forward fighter and we will definitely see that on August 21.”

Scott joined the Fighting Chance set-up in January, and is assured that the switch has had a positive impact on his career.

“My nutritionist Chris Clayton has worked wonders with me. Normally I don’t eat well, but he’s got me back on target,” he added.

“Ronnie Rowe (Fighting Chance chief coach) and Gary Barr (Fighting Chance coach) speak for themselves. They are legends in the North East and it’s doing me the world of good. I’m firing on all cylinders.

“Travis Dickinson, Jon-Lewis Dickinson and Craig Dixon are all established fighters and you don’t get to that level without a good coach. You can be as talented as you want, but you need a good team to take you to the next level.

“All the work with the Fighting Chance team is paying off and I need to showcase it on August 21.”

Any tickets that were purchased for the original date are valid for the rescheduled show. Tickets start at £35 and can be bought from any boxers on the bill, or from www.wraithpromotions.com.

**SPONSORS REQUIRED FOR FIGHTERS ON AUGUST 21 'SUMMER SHOWDOWN' SHOW**

Andrew Buchanan, Lewis Scott and Jone TK are featuring on the August 21 ‘Summer Showdown 1’ show at the Academy For Sport at Gateshead Stadium.

Buchanan’s Northern Area title shot against Gregg O’Neill is the shows headliner, while Lewis Scott looks to avenge his defeat to Simone Lucas and heavyweight Jone TK makes his professional debut.

The Fighting Chance stable are working hard in their preparations and need your help in paying for training costs- which include physiotherapy, strength & conditioning and training supplements.

In return, the sponsorship packages on hand are the perfect opportunity for your business.

The headline sponsor package, which involves the Northern Area title clash between Andrew Buchanan and Gregg O’Neill includes:

-Branding on two corner posts on August 21

-Full-page advert in programme

-Logo on fighters t-shirts

-Logo on trainers t-shirts

-Announcements during the show, which will advertise your business.

-Branding at press conference, weigh-in and during the show

-Logo to feature during live YouTube stream

-Credits in all local press and press releases

-Logo on Fighting Chance TV interviews

-Plus 5 VIP Tickets

Alternatively, the separate boxer sponsorship package includes:

-Branding on t-shirt of boxer

-Branding on t-shirt of trainer

-Framed signed photo from boxer

-Half page advert

-Plus 2 VIP Tickets

If interested, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.