CARL DICKENS has vowed to be fighting for a professional title by next summer after admitting it is now or never to turn his dreams into reality.
‘The Wallop’ returns to the ring at the Holte Suite, Villa Park, on Saturday, October 28 with a record of eight wins and two losses to his name since starting his professional career.
His two defeats were both by just one point against quality opposition – to southern area champion Nicky Jenman and latterly an agonising loss to Sam Wall in a British Challenge title bout.
Since then, he has got married and spent more time with his family, but did return to the ring to continue his middleweight career with victory against Welsh-based Pole Robert Studzinski in February.
Now though, the pressure has been ramped up another level with 33-year-old Dickens assured that victory in this month’s six-round fight against a 6ft 2in rangy southpaw and then in another bout on December 2 will ensure another crack at a British Challenge belt and, hopefully, a subsequent tilt at a Midlands title.
“These are must-win fights for me now,” said Dickens. “I turned professional pretty late but feel great and there’s most definitely a good couple of years left in me yet.
“However, I know you only get so many chances. I’ve got to win these next two fights to earn the chance I need for another British Challenge belt match and I know I can do it.
“It’s been a long pre-match camp – eight weeks of solid, hard graft – and I have trained harder than ever and my hunger is well and truly back.
“I always thought I’d given everything in my career previously and, don’t get me wrong, I really did show some guts, but I’ll be brutally honest and admit that sometimes it was sheer guts and determination getting me through fights.
“I’d bite my gumshield and give it my all, but deep down I can say I could have done more in preparation. It’s best to be honest with myself and I truly now believe I’ve done all I can. I’m in the best shape I can be and this is my time.”
Dickens, now trained primarily by Spencer McCracken, has been thorough in his preparations at Birmingham’s Eastside gym, sparring with gifted professionals including Sam Eggington and Craig Cunningham. He has also been put through his padwork and fitness paces by Neil Hateley, of Padfiit at Emporium Gym, Birmingham.
“I’ve left no stone unturned. I’ve been going at it like a lunatic really, but now it’s about focus,” added Dickens, who grew up in Winyates.
“Sparring with people like Sam and Craig has made me the boxer I am now.
“I’ve had a lot of success against southpaws so far, so I’m confident in my ability to get the job done and then attentions will turn to December.
“I’ve sold around 100 tickets so far which is brilliant but there’s still a few knocking around so please come and back me. The support means everything to me.”
To get your hands on tickets for the October 28 bill, call Dickens on 07475 136925. Dickens would like to thank his sponsors Padfiit, Joe Hill Brickwork, Ashlins Barbers, Heaphys, IDM Electrical Midlands, Passion VIP, KJS Training Ltd and The Winyates Bar & Indian Grill.
