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.

SUMMER SHOWDOWN CANCELLED

Fighting Chance Promotions regret to announce that this Friday’s Summer Showdown show in Gateshead has been cancelled.

Andrew Buchanan’s Northern Area title clash against Greg O’Neill was set to headline the bill, while Anthony Nelson’s first appearance since lifting the Commonwealth title in April was chief support.

Fighting Chance’s Lewis Scott and Jone TK were to make up the rest of the card, with Scott re-matching Simeone Lucas, and Jone TK making his debut at heavyweight.

However the bill has been called off after Greg O’Neill and Ian Hallsall suffered injuries.

The withdrawals of Halsall and O’Neill meant there were only two fights left on the bill, and promoter Steve Wraith along with Fighting Chance director Lewis Pendleton, were forced to make the tough decision to cancel ‘Summer Showdown 1’.

Despite the show being cancelled, Pendleton has declared his ambition to get Jone TK, Scott and Buchanan back in the ring as soon as possible.

He said: “We are absolutely devastated that this show has been cancelled. The lads had trained hard for 13 weeks and looked in terrific shape.

“Andy, Jone TK and Lewis have shown tremendous dedication by wanting to get straight back in the gym despite this setback. We will assess the options available to them and look to get them out as soon as possible.

"We will be speaking to Gary O’Neill’s team in order to re-schedule a Northern Area title clash against Andrew Buchanan. We promised Andy title opportunities, and we will look at the area title before moving onto major honours.”

If you bought tickets for ‘Summer Showdown 1’ please contact your point of purchase for ticket refunds.

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.

Andrew Buchanan to fight for Northern Area title on August 21

Fighting Chance Promotions are delighted to announce that Andrew Buchanan will challenge for the Northern Area title on August 21 at the Academy For Sport, against Greg O'Neil, subject to the contest being approved by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Since returning to the professional ranks in 2013 after an eight-year absence, Buchanan has gone on a six-fight unbeaten streak, and has made a steady rise up the super-middleweight rankings.

At the age of 35, Buchanan is in a hurry, and the Northern Area belt could be a potential launchpad to further honours, including the English and British title.

The Newcastle-born boxer expressed his delight at landing the title shot, labelling the area title clash as the 'biggest fight of his career.'

He said: "It's a massive opportunity for me. I want to challenge for the English title, and this is something I have to do before then. I want to prove I'm the best in the region before looking up and down the country.

"I returned to the sport for the glory and to win titles, and because of my age I can't hang about. There is no way I will be looking past this fight, I know how much is riding on it.

"Ronnie Rowe and Lewis Pendleton have really got behind me. They have put their time, effort and money to get me these opportunities because they believe in me. It's up to me to prove them right when I get in the ring."

Greg O'Neil, who is based out of the Gus Robinson Developments gym in Hartlepool, will oppose 'El Cannon' over ten rounds.

The 24-year old has suffered two defeats in five outings, against London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo and Lewis Taylor, who currently holds the English middleweight title.

With O'Neil's defeats only being against top quality opposition, Buchanan is more than aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

"I'm expecting ten hard rounds, so that is what we are training for. I've never seen him box, but I've got a rough idea of what kind of style he's got and what he brings to the table.

"All of the boxers at Gus Robinson Developments gym in Hartlepool are tough, strong lads. I know I'm going to be in for a hard fight, and there is no such thing as a pushover. I've got to be at my best to beat him."

Fighting Chance director Lewis Pendleton is confident that Buchanan can challenge for domestic titles, and complimented the efforts of Mick Marsden, who matched Buchanan with O'Neil.

He said: “Navigating Andy to a Northern Area title shot is something we have aimed for in the past few months, and we are delighted to have landed this brilliant opportunity for him.

“Andy has exceptional boxing ability and like all our fighters, he needs challenged to see how far he can go. 

"We believe landing a Northern Area title clash for Andy is a stepping-stone towards bigger things, and that includes perhaps an English or even a British title shot. If Andy is to box for domestic honours, then these are the sort of fights he needs to win."

Fighting Chance Promotions are optimistic that Andrew Buchanan’s Northern Area title clash on August 21 will be a stepping-stone to bigger things, including potential title-shots for the English or British title.

If you, or your company would like to be part of Buchanan’s bid for title glory via sponsorship, please email fighting.chance@mail.com or personal message the Fighting Chance Promotions facebook page, and we’ll get back to you.

'Summer Showdown 1’ postponed

Due to minor injuries to key fighters on the bill, ‘Summer Showdown 1’ has been postponed.

The show was originally scheduled for July 24, but Relentless Promotions and Fighting Chance have made the decision to re-schedule.

Travis Dickinson was set to headline the bill, as he was looking to get back on track after suffering a first round stoppage defeat to Mustafa Chadlioui in April.

Speaking on the postponement, Fighting Chance director Lewis Pendleton said:

“Whilst we are disappointed to have to postpone the show, collectively myself, Ron Rowe, Steve Wraith and Danny Cox are all in agreement that postponing the show is the best option.

“Injuries are inevitable in boxing and it’s a shame that it has caused the show to be postponed. But with the injuries sustained we didn’t feel it was right to go-ahead, as the paying public deserve a card of high caliber.

"Those who bought tickets from the fighters can either use their ticket on the re-scheduled show, or alternatively can get a refund from the point of purchase."

An additional show was also planned for September 18, with Danny Wall making his highly anticipated professional debut. However, the postponement of 'Summer Showdown 1' has caused a knock-on effect, meaning the show in September will also have to be re-scheduled.

Further information will be available in due course and Fighting Chance would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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.