Winning has always been second nature to Mark Dickinson and now the middleweight intends to move closer to a tilt at the English title.
The 24-year-old takes on Kent’s Grant Dennis on Saturday in Newcastle, where Matchroom stage their second NXTGEN show of the year at the Utilita Arena.
This English championship eliminator is a classic example of youth v experience, something the former Birtley ABC and GB Boxing star was quick to point out.
Mark, a member of the celebrated Dickinson fighting family (uncles Jon Lewis and Travis tasted success as professionals) was a top drawer amateur, winning gold at the European Youth Championships in Turkey as well as the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.
The Co Durham boxer was an England Championship winner as a teenager too, earning him appearances at the 2019 European Games and the World Championships the same year.
Now in pro fight number six, his sights are set on booking a crack at his first professional belt.
“I feel really good,” he told punch-lines. “I’m very excited for this.
“I’ve worked really hard for this and now’s my chance to earn my shot at the English title.
“I’ve got a good slot on the show and it’s time to go and show everyone what I can do and prove I’m one of the best prospects in the country.
“It’s about getting out there and get the ball rolling.”
Dickinson, whose record is 5-0, will start as a big favourite against the man from Chatham, who will be aiming to prove that life begins at 40.
The boxer, from Chatham, (pictured right) spoke positively in the media conference on Thursday in Newcastle and did not appear to be a man turning up just for a pay-day.
Dennis has won 18 of his 23 bouts and is a former Southern Area champion and English title challenger, who has plenty of rounds in the bank – 125 to be exact, 98 more than his opponent.
“He’s had some wins and the ones he has lost have come against good opponents,” said Dickinson.
“I don’t think he has lost to 5-0 prospects, like me, I think he’s only lost to boxers who have been 12 and 0 and 13 and 0.
“It’ll be a good little test for me.
“For me, to be go as far as I want to go in boxing I should be dealing with him.”
Dickinson was talking to punch-lines just ahead of the media event at the Northumbria University Students Union.
During a lively verbal exchange on stage, Mark was somewhat ageist in his sledging of his rival.
“I’ll look him straight in the eyes and tell him, ‘you’re not on my level’,” he declared.
“This is a young man’s sport. You’re an old man.
“I believe I’m levels above him. He’s going to say different. I’m glad he thinks different and I’m glad we’ve got a good fight.
“On Saturday night we’ll find out.”
Punch-lines must add that there were warm handshakes after the verbals when the two combatants posed for the tradition head-to-head photos.
Dickinson is part of a wave of ex-Birtley ABC stars on the DAZN-screened event with Callum French also in action, along with the Rees brothers, from Ashington, Ben and Owen, plus gifted Blyth favourite Cameron Vuong.
The talented crew certainly inspire each other, with Mark adding: “Everyone has put the work in and we’re just looking forward to Saturday night.”
It should be good.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Dave Thompson/ Matchroom
