The last time Kid Galahad 27-1 (16) stood in the ring with James ‘Jazza’ Dickens 30-3 (11) was at the start of last year.
The 31-year-old from Sheffield was preparing for his fight against Dominican southpaw Claudio Marrero and needed quality work from another lefty to help prepare him for the bout.
Their friendship hasn’t waned since their first pro bout that Galahad won by 10th round knockout in 2013 but it will need to be put aside when they clash for the second time for the vacant IBF featherweight title at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex in the UK on Saturday night.
“I’ve actually done about 60 or 70 rounds with Jazza Dickens, probably more,” said Galahad. “When I boxed [Claudio] Marrero, I sparred Jazza. I’ve known him for a long time, we’re friends. Any time I ever fight a southpaw I always spar with Jazza because he’s a good southpaw.
“At the end of the day, when we get in there, friendship is going to be pushed to the side and that’s it. Seek and destroy, that’s it. I’m not here to make friends and everything else. When I get in there I’m here to win. I don’t care who you are.”
Liverpudlian Dickens, 30, has impressed in recent years with eight wins in a row since 2018. His last four opponents – Nathaniel May, Carlos Ramos, Leigh Wood and Ryan Walsh – held a combined record of 81-5-2 when he boxed them, winning each fight on points.
The Wood win looks particularly impressive now after his opponent went on to dethrone talented Chinese boxer Xu Can to claim the WBA ‘regular’ featherweight title by 12th round knockout last weekend.
Galahad remains unfazed by the recent improvements Dickens has shown.
“When we get in that ring on it’s just going to be me and him in there, nobody else,” he said. “That’s when it’s going to matter. I’ve done it the hard way, and I’m going to win this world title in spectacular fashion. I’m going to be a world champion for a very long time. I’m not going to let it go.
“After I win this fight, it’s going to get even harder, then you just need to maintain it. I’m always fully focused only on what I do. I can’t wait to get in there and take what’s mine. I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do.
“Jazza can bring a few different styles but I’ve just got to go in there and win the fight in any way and any form. The game is to hit and not get hit. I’ve got to go in there and do a number on him.
“I’m going to give it to him, tell him to make sure he’s prepared. I know he’s going to prepare well, but when we get in that ring, we aren’t going to be friends. He’s going to get seriously hurt.”
