Heading for some huge nights in boxing.
That’s unbeaten middleweight Mark Dickinson, who has joined fellow Ben Davison-trained prospect Pat McCormack in signing for Matchroom.
Eddie Hearn unveiled the pair, following their departure from Probellum, for whom the West Rainton star, now based in Essex, reeled off three straight wins.
“I am excited to get things moving with the backing of Matchroom Boxing and DAZN,” said Dickinson.
“I believe there are some huge nights ahead for me and I’m excited and motivated to showcase myself and what I am capable of.
“With Ben, Matchroom and DAZN behind me I know I can go on to achieve big things in this sport.”
Mark, a member of the famous Dickinson fighting family (uncles Jon Lewis and Travis were high-profile professionals) and was a successful amateur, representing his country at the 2019 European Games and the World Championships the same year, having won gold at the European Youth Championships in Turkey and at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.
The 23-year-old has made a 100 per cent start to life as a pro under Davison, whose hopes are high for both Mark and Pat.
“I’m really excited for both of these journeys to push on,” said Davison pictured left with (from left to right) Pat McCormack, Eddie Hearn and Mark.
“Eddie, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN were keen on Pat and Mark and I believe this is the perfect place for them to be.
“They will be given the opportunities necessary to develop and fulfil their potentials.
“There’s no doubt about it, these lads are special talents and fans across the world are going to love watching them in person and live on DAZN.”
For Hearn, October has not been the best month of his boxing life, but he’s signed two gems in Dickinson and McCormack.
Hopefully, from a North-East perspective, it might mean a return to the region for Matchroom, who already had two other former Birtley ABC stars, Calum French and Cyrus Pattinson up to three and five wins respectively.
Matchroom’s last appearance in Newcastle was in the summer of 2021, their final transmission for Sky, but there is nothing stopping them returning now.
“Mark is one of the most exciting prospects in British boxing and another product of the famous Birtley Boxing Club,” said Hearn.
“He had an outstanding amateur career, representing Team GB numerous times, whilst earning gold medals at the Youth Commonwealth Games and the European Youth Championships.
“He’s made a perfect start to life in the pro ranks and there’s some big nights ahead for him.
“We’ve enjoyed some brilliant nights up in the North East over the years and both Pat and Mark are keen to bring big shows and world titles back home.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
