MIDDLEWEIGHT boxer Carl Dickens says he is unconcerned by having two opponents withdraw from fights against him as he targets a sixth successive professional victory at Villa Park next week.
‘The Wallop’ has seen both Poland’s Robert Studzinski and Joe Walsh – the latter for a second time – pull out as potential opponents and will instead now fight Cardiff’s Gareth Piper on Wednesday, December 10.
The speedy right-hander Piper has never been stopped and is likely to prove a different challenge to some of the bigger boxers Dickens has faced in his five successful professional fights so far, but both the 30-year-old and his trainer Gary Blower of Birmingham’s Studio ABC are confident of claiming another victory in what is highly likely to be Dickens’ last four-round bout before stepping up to six-round contests in 2015.
“It’s not ideal having opponents withdraw from fights but it’s happened to me before and will probably happen again,” said Dickens.
“All I know is that I’m feeling fitter and stronger than ever and have prepared the very best I can. I am confident but not over-confident and am really pleased with my preparations. I’ve done more running than I’ve ever done before my previous fights and I just can’t wait to get in the ring again now.”
Trainer Blower echoed those sentiments, saying: “The withdrawals haven’t really affected what we’ve done. I have almost given up watching videos of opponents now as it happens so often!
“All the emphasis has been on what Carl is doing and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him in preparation.
“He got up to 227 punches a round in training the other day and that’s some going. I’m confident he’ll get the job done and then we can chat with his manager about stepping up the rounds and level of opposition for his next fight in February.”
Dickens has been mixing it with some of the Midlands’ finest boxers in sparring having been in the ring with Tion Gibbs, Dan Breeze, Craig Cunningham, Sam Eggington and some exciting amateurs over recent months and the Winyates East man is grateful for their help.
Indeed, Eggington is now ranked fourth in Britain and eyeing an English title, having already conquered former Commonwealth welterweight champion Denton Vassell and been signed up by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
“Definitely, it’s great to be sparring with them,” added The Wallop. “If you don’t get in there with the best then you’re never going to improve. I want to get better and that’s the way to do it.
“Sam (Eggington) caught me with a good shot the other day, no doubt, but he didn’t put me down! He’s a quality boxer so it’s all good experience.
“I am ready for it. Piper will be a tough opponent. He’s likely to be fast with good hands and I’m probably going to have to lose a few pounds as he’ll come in lighter than me most likely, but it’s my intention to use my bigger size to bully him.”
Dickens, who is generously sponsored by main backers Passion VIP of Birmingham, as well as IDM Electrical of Redditch, said tickets are still available for the event and can be obtained by calling him on 07411 936522.
