English champion Mark Dickinson insists he has trained for ”the best Troy Williamson” when he makes the maiden defence of his super-middleweight belt.
Victory for the 26-year-old over Darlington’s former British light-middleweight champion (super-middle to you young pups) at Houghton this Saturday would represent the best win of his career to date.
Dickinson v Williamson has the makings of a cracking North-East derby on the Matchroom event which is headlined by Pat McCormack’s WBA Continental welterweight title defence against highly-respected Mexican Miguel Parra.
Asked by IFLTV what would be the difference between the two on the night at Rainton Arena, Dickinson answered “my boxing ability” and he certainly is not lacking in self-belief.
“I’m a lot cleverer up here than Troy when it comes to boxing,” said West Rainton’s 26-year-old pointing to his head.
“I’m too young, too fresh and too good for him.
“But I’m not walking into the fight thinking Troy is finished, I know he’s had a few losses but they have come against good men.
“I think him moving up in weight will be good for him. I don’t think boiling himself down to 154 was doing him any favours.
“I’m expecting the best Troy Williamson and have trained for the best Troy Williamson.
“I’m focused and ready.”
Williamson also seemed both focused and ready when punch-lines called in to the TYwins gym in Trimdon to see ‘Trojan’ and his new trainer, Jordan Williams.
The 34-year-old has lost three on the spin, and as Dickinson points out, have all been to top operators, with a split decision defeat in Belfast to Caoimhin Agyarko and a unanimous verdict against Ishmael Davis in Sheffield were both at 154lbs, while his loss in Las Vegas to Jahi Tucker was at middleweight.
Dickinson comes into the fight full of confidence after winning the English belt in a tremendous performance in Altrincham back in March, when he beat Reece Farnhill by five points and six points (twice) on the scorecards of the judges.
Click here to watch Mark’s full interview on IFL TV
It saw him emulate his uncles, Jon Lewis and Travis, who were both English champions (at cruiserweight and light-heavy) while fans will remember them both as Prizefighter winners as well.
Mark is very much a man on his way up and he feels Saturday will be another step in the right direction.
“It’s come at the right time for me,” said the former Birtley ABC and GB Boxing star, who trains under the guidance of brother Jacob at Dickinsons School of Boxing in Fencehouses.
“I feel as though I’m coming into my prime.
“I’m ready, I’m excited and I know it will be a fan-friendly fight. It’s a fight everyone wants to see. I can’t wait.
“We’ve taken Troy very seriously.
“We know a win over Troy Williamson will push my career that little bit further to where I want to be.
“He’s kind of a gate-keeper for the British title level so if I want to push on, I should be beating Troy in style. That’s the way I see it.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
