Sunderland’s Dolan and Dickenson to meet at ‘The Stadium of Light’ July 3

“Not since Glenn McCrory fought Dave Garside [17th June 1986], or Garside’s fight with John Westgarth [British heavyweight title eliminator 16th October 1986] have two fighters from the region been matched up in such a high profile event,” continued Phil, father of Olympic bronze medallist and current undefeated pro Tony, “so I’m just buzzing about it!”

There’s no doubt that this eagerly anticipated bout promises to be a great scrap for the region’s fight fans with both fighters, although at different stages in their careers, worthy of the top-billing status they will be getting.

Dickinson is a former amateur star who boxed for England, won a senior ABA title, and has wins over the likes of Tom Dallas and James DeGale in the unpaid code.  Turning pro in 2008, the 25 year old cruised to eight straight victories, including winning the cruiserweight Prizefighter competition in April 2010, before suffering injury defeats in his last two contests.  Now 8-2 (2), the fighter from County Durham will be looking to get back on track with a big win against Dolan.

Dave Dolan is another fighter with a great amateur pedigree.  A former three-time ABA champion and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, the Sunderland boxer has been pro since 2006 and, with his current 14-3-1 (5) ledger, is the more experienced of the two fighters.  The 31 year old has also twice fought for the British crown against current champ Rob Norton, losing once but then drawing in a fight many had him down as winning.  Coming off a loss in his last fight (against Terry Dunstan in an English title fight bid) Dave will be desperate to claim North East bragging rights when he goes up against Dickinson.

“It’s going to be a great afternoon,” continued Phil, who is promoting the show with the help of Hartlepool boxing stalwart Neil Fannan, “and as well as the big headline fight we’ll also be showcasing all the local talent. There’ll be between seven and nine bouts on, with the full line-up being confirmed soon, but I can tell you now that Martin Ward will be having his first 10 round fight on the show against former British and European bantamweight champion Ian Napa – so that’s going to be a cracking bout and a real test for Martin.

“This is just a dream come true for me because I’m a Sunderland fanatic.  The venue’s pristine and we’ve got full use of the stadium.  We’ll use one of the stands and it’ll be outside with a cover on just in case it rains – but hopefully it won’t!  I’ve really put myself out on the line to get this show on but I just think there’s so much boxing talent up here and this is all about getting them work.  Frank Maloney, who’s supporting the show all the way, has done a great job with promoting the sport in the North East and we’ve just got to keep the momentum going now.” 

for ticket information contact 0191 564 0202 or 0774 7611 020. courtesy of www.northeastfightscene.co.uk