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.

Introducing Fighting Chance’s latest signing: Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones

Former mixed martial artist, Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones has signed a deal with Fighting Chance Promotions in a switch to professional boxing.

In making the turnover, the 25-year-old joins a growing promotional outfit after director Lewis Pendleton took out a promoter’s license last month.

The move will come as a surprise to many, but Jones, who has featured in over 100 competitive bouts across mixed martial arts, kickboxing and white-collar boxing is adamant that the transition to boxing is long overdue.

Subject to board approval, Jones will make his professional debut on Fighting Chance’s inaugural show, on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

He said: “I have kept myself busy in other disciplines, but boxing was never far away. I continued with it throughout my career in mixed martial arts. Everybody would notice that my boxing was at a very high level.

“I always knew my passion was boxing.  I’ve decided to be true to myself and just give myself a chance. After all I’ve boxed since I was seven years old. I owe it to myself to be a professional boxer.

“Now is the right time. I’m at the perfect age as I’m mature and have life experience. I know what is involved to challenge at the highest level and win titles, and that’s what I intend to do.”

In his youth, Jones boxed at Birtley ABC and is therefore already familiar with some of the names at Fighting Chance – including Mark White and Craig Dixon.

The Gateshead-born fighter won British and European accolades in the amateur and semi-professional mixed martial arts scene, and with the help of hard work hopes to crossover his success to the professional ranks of boxing.

The middleweight prospect added: “Upon signing for Fighting Chance, I did my homework first. I would not just go professional with anybody. This is the right team for me and that’s why I chose to come here.

“They have four shows scheduled for this year. Hopefully I can feature on all four and build a solid foundation.

“I am in the gym every night and I am happy with how everything has been going. I’ve only been training with Fighting Chance since December and I already feel so much better. Come March 26, I’ll be ready to fire on all cylinders on my professional debut."

Subject to board approval, Jamie ‘Boom Boom’ Jones will make his professional debut on ‘Genesis’, on March 26, at Gateshead Leisure Centre. Tickets can be purchased via any boxers on the bill, or on www.fightingchancepromotions.co.uk

Jon-Lewis Dickinson to headline ‘Genesis’ on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre

Cruiserweight Jon-Lewis Dickinson is set to headline Fighting Chance’s inaugural show on March 26 at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

The 29-year-old will feature for the first time since his career-best victory against Stephen Simmons in April, where he clinched the WBC International Silver title at the Metro Radio Arena.

Dickinson will top a bill that includes an array of North East boxers, including stablemates Mark White, Jone TK and debutant Jamie Jones (subject to board approval).

As part of an exclusive partnership, ‘Genesis’ will be the first Fighting Chance show that will air across all four Made Television channels: Made in Bristol, Made in Cardiff, Made in Leeds and Made in Tyne & Wear.

Fighting Chance promoter, Lewis Pendleton said: “We are delighted to provide a platform for North East fans to see Jon-Lewis Dickinson back in action.

"With our exclusive broadcast partner, Made Television, and an exciting lineup of boxers, March 26 promises to be a great night for boxing fans.”

Mark Clauzel of Ringstar Promotions, has four boxers on the bill, including: Basi Razaq, Herry Biembe, Michael Dixon and Kevin Elliot.

Razaq is looking to bounce back from his first career defeat and Biembe, a former Olympian, will make his highly anticipated UK debut.

Elsewhere, James Barnes will debut at light heavyweight after losing over five stone, and Tommy Conroy duo Danny ‘Tsunami’ Wall and Gary Reeve will also feature.

Tickets for ‘Genesis’ on March 26 will be available soon. For the latest Fighting Chance news, follow our twitter page @fcpromotions1 and like our official facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/fightingchancepromotions/?fref=ts

Fighting Chance Promotions agree exclusive deal with Made Television

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with Made Television, which will see four live boxing events air in 2016 on the free-to air channel.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fighting Chance Promotions will broadcast shows live and exclusive across all four MADE Television channels: Made in Bristol, Made in Cardiff, Made in Leeds and Made in Tyne & Wear.

The deal includes pre-fight build-up, exclusive interviews and the non-televised undercard fights will be screened on delay as part of a highlights show.

With the move, Fighting Chance Promotions are aiming to raise the profile of North East boxing and provide opportunities for some of the region’s most talented fighters.

Fighting Chance director, Lewis Pendleton, said: “I am delighted that through our teams hard work we have been able to secure an exclusive deal with Made Television which will see Fighting Chance become their official boxing partner.

“We would like to thank Made Television for sharing in our vision to promote and raise the profile of professional boxing.”

Tony Hazell, Station Manager at Made in Tyne & Wear adds: “We’re very excited about our new partnership with Fighting Chance. Here at Made, we pride ourselves on showcasing exclusive and entertaining content. With over 1.9 million viewers tuning in monthly across all four stations, this is an amazing platform for professional boxing to reach a whole new audience.”  

Fighting Chance’s first televised boxing show under the new deal will be March 26. Follow Fighting Chance on twitter at @fcpromotions1 for an upcoming announcement on the venue, and the line-up for the bill.

If you, or your company would like to get involved with this exciting partnership please contact Lesley Watt sales@madeintyneandwear.tv for sponsorship opportunities.

Fighting Chance Promotions are a boxing management and promotion company based in the North East of England and currently manage Jon-Lewis Dickinson, Craig Dixon, Lewis Scott, Jone TK and Mark White.

Made Television broadcast on Freeview channel 8, Virgin 159 and Sky Guide 117 for Made in Bristol, Made in Leeds and Made in Tyne & Wear, and Made in Cardiff on Freeview 134, Virgin 159 and Sky Guide 23.

Fighting Chance Foundation hosts England Boxing development workshops

(Pictured above: Gateshead Victoria Boxing Club)

The Fighting Chance Foundation hosted two England boxing talent development workshops last week, and Steve Cranston, who led the session and is head coach of Gateshead Victoria Boxing Club, hailed the event as a great success.

The development workshops are designed to provide a talent pathway system for boxers all over the country that may have not met the criteria to attend the England Open Talent Day.

Boxers from across the UK travelled to the gym in Felling to take part in a junior men workshop for those aged between 14-16, and a women workshop for those of all ages.

Cranston was delighted with the talent on-show and is confident that a number of boxers who attended, will go on to represent England.

“Without a doubt some of those that attended will go far. Of course they will still need to go for the open talent day and pass the assessments, but after this workshop they will be better prepared for that.

“The attitude, behaviour and the concentration in the session was fantastic.”

Nicola Adams and Savannah Marshall were crowned gold medalists at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and Cranston believes women’s boxing is only getting stronger. 

He added: “The girls session was second to none. The age range went from the youngest at 12 years old, to the oldest at 32 years old.

“The younger ones normally don’t get individual coaching, but I coached a couple of them last week and they were brilliant. Overall the two sessions were very successful.”

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. 

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.