Dickinson the target as British Cruiserweight division heats up
Peter Mann, Freelance Sports Writer
The British Cruiserweight division was unexpectedly thrust into the limelight this past week when Enzo Maccarinelli, Cruiserweight’s title holder after his controversial victory over Shane McPhilbin, vacated the title in controversial fashion as well. Rumours abound regarding the Welshman’s possible use of PRD’s are still unclear as a decision is awaited from the UK Anti-Doping Agency. Add that to the fact that Maccarinelli used gaining the Cruiserweight as a platform to enhance his chances of dropping a division and face fellow countryman, and another British title holder, Nathan Cleverly, in the Light-Heavyweight division.
The problem now is who are the main contenders for the now vacant British Cruiserweight belt?
Mooted is a bout between Shane McPhilbin, beaten by Maccarinelli for the crown last time out, and Jon-Lewis Dickinson, the current English champion and rightful number one contender. As the decision is still waited for from the boxing board, Dickinson is fully prepared for a possible shot at glory.
“It will probably be September or October time,” Dickinson said about the McPhilbin fight.
“I said after Askin that I wanted a British title fight as that was the eliminator for this (British title). But Enzo has relinquished the title and I’m just waiting for the boxing boards’ decision as it’s down to them as to what happens next.
“I’ve spoke to Frank Maloney and just awaiting on a few calls being returned as I’ve never been in this position before. I’m hoping a decision will be through in the next week or so.
“I want to win the British title, I’ve said that all along and I will face whoever I have to in order to take that title.
“It’s more a case now of who deserves a shot other than me. I should have had the shot after I’d faced Dolan,” Dickinson added.
With that bout already lined up, albeit unconfirmed as yet, for the near future, the inclusion of Dickinson (11-2, 3 KO’s) has the other contenders ‘clamouring’ in the background. Primarily are that of fighters whom Dickinson has vanquished in the past twelve months or so, that of Sunderland’s David Dolan and Blackpool’s Matty Askin. Both Cruiserweights’ would welcome a rematch should Dickinson, as expected, be successful in defeating McPhilbin.
Dolan (15-4-1, 4KO’s) is geographically Dickinson’s nearest rival with the Sunderland fighter able to stir up the world-famous Tyne-Wear rivalries of days gone by. Dolan also lost to Dickinson, PTS10, in July 2011 for the Northern Area Cruiserweight title, and stated himself that “I’d been out a while and torn my right pectoral muscle when I faced Terry Dunstan. When I faced Dickinson I felt ok and was fit enough but it was just one of those fights.”
Dolan went on to say that “although he (Dickinson) landed some eye-catching shots I believe that I outworked him.
“It really seems to be the wrong challengers fighting for it. On paper Dickinson deserves his shot. I would like a shot myself, especially as a few decisions have gone against me in recent bouts.
“It’s fair enough that others get their shot and if Dickinson does win then hopefully I will get a rematch with him.
“I’d love to get another chance at the British title as it’s not really busy enough. But if Dickinson does win then I hope he keeps the title busy and that I get not only a shot myself but a rematch.”
Askin (13-1, 9KO’s) is another contender to the British Cruiserweight crown and his own last bout was a UD12 defeat to Dickinson for the English Cruiserweight belt just three months ago (April 2012). It was a bout that Dickinson himself said would have been “easily a British one instead,” and that both he and Askin are “the main contenders and the best in the division right now.”
Askin though, along with Dolan, has thrown his own quota into the equation but also believes he maybe needs a couple of other ‘warm-up’ bouts before facing Dickinson again.
Having similar thoughts to Dolan he added that “Dickinson fought the perfect fight against me in what was one of the best fights the Cruiserweight division has seen. McPhilbin though is easier to hit than me but everyone is now shouting their mouths off.
“I will fight either of the challengers, including a rematch with Dickinson. He has fought a lot longer than me and I would rather have lost now than in a bigger title fight.
“I will fight whoever is there in front of me at the time and will face Dickinson tomorrow if he wanted to as he’s a good fighter and a great lad.”
With McPhilbin and Dickinson, Askin and Dolan, then additions of the likes of Conquest, Williams, and a possible comeback from Herbie Hide, amongst others, the Cruiserweight division is most certainly hotting up. Expect this one to run for some time as the fighters now start to jostle for position.
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