WORLD TITLE SHOT FOR DODSON IN AFRICA!

EXCLUSIVE...

Tony Dodson faces the biggest challenge of his boxing career at the end of summer, when he will square off against an African fighting legend challenging for a version of the world light-heavyweight title.
The Gatson 'Warrior' has agreed to travel to Namibia on September 30th and face non other than former two-time world champion Harry Simon, aka The Teriminator, whose unblemished 26-0 record features 19 knockouts.
A former Olympian, Simon, held the WBO world title at both light-middle and middlweight during his heyday, with wins over the likes of Winky Wright, Kevin Lueshing, Rodney Jones and Armand Krajnc to his credit.
 However, now 38, the veteran has been largely inactive for the best part of a decade after being jailed for serious driving offences and subsequently stripped of his world title in 2002. He returned in 2007 with a rudamentary points win, then was inactive again until last year when he clocked up two stoppages - all of which where on home soil.
 Dodson will also have to travel to the African contient, but is taking inspiration from another former Scouse champion, Peter Culshhaw, who made a similar journey back in 2000 to face Baby Jake Matlala in South Africa, and against the odds claimed the similarly fringe WBU belt which ignited his pro career.
 "This is my big chance," Dodson told Mersey Gloves today. "It's a big ask to ace a champion as successful as Harry Simon and in his own backyard as well, but I love a challenge and I believe I can repeat what Culshaw did to Baby Jake and make my name with this win.
 "I will be going to Africa to bring home the belt and stake my claim for a bigger world title match-up fight in the future. This is a fight I simply could not turn down."
 Dodson will undoubtedly face a vociferous welcome when he touches down in Kenya, where Simon is based and still has a huge following. Yet he is still anxious to get out there early and settle into his new surroundings.
 He adds: "The fight has been agreed verbally, I am just waiting for the contract now.
 "It will be a life changing experience for me, but I've told the promoters I want to get out there early and acclimatise. I am 100% up for the challenge and I will have a gameplan in place for Harry Simon. Don't get me wrong, the man is a legend, and I will give him all the respect he deserves. I am grateful for this chance.
 "But I will be coming home with that belt and as the first man to ever defeat one of the greats. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

ROCKY HAPPY TO BE HOME

Rocky Fielding says he can't wait to fight in front of his home fans at the Echo Arena on July 16th.
  The 23-year-old Prizefighter winner will have his first outing for new promoter Frank Warren when he features on the blockbuster bill which is adorned with a quartet of massive domestic dust ups, and going out live on Sky Sports 1.
  Ricky Burns' WBO world super-featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook headlines, but fight fans will also get to see John Murray's fight with Kevin Mitchell, Frankie Gavin's latest title defence against Curtis Woodhouse and the mouth-watering rematch between Liverpool's own light heavyweight champion Tony Bellew and Ovill McKenzie.
 So far 2011 has been a great year for former amateur star Fielding, after he won the Prizefighter super-middleweight tournament at Liverpool Olympia with a succession of stoppages.
  Now he takes on Jamie Ambler over six rounds as he looks to make waves in one of British boxing's hottest divisions.
  Fielding will be cheered on by a huge crowd on home turf, following a real surge at the box office this week after the addition of Mitchell's big clash with Murray resulted in the show almost being a sell out.
  "I can't wait for July 16th in my home city. It was going to be a big show anyway, but now it's absolutely massive," said Fielding.
  "Boxing is always popular in Liverpool, and over the last few years with the likes of Paul Smith, Stephen Smith and Tony Bellew it's been getting bigger and bigger.
  "It's a great opportunity to build on the success I had in Prizefighter. I've been thinking about what it will mean to fight in front of all those people, and it makes hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
  "To lift first prize was awesome, but now I want some big titles. The British super-middleweight title has been held by some great names down the years, and I'd love to follow in their footsteps."

TENERIFE CAMP FOR BELLEW

Tony Bellew has taken a leaf out of former Scouse world champion Peter Culshaw's book and jetted off from some sun, sea...and sparring.
 The Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion has gone to Tenerife ahead of his big rematch with Ovill McKenzie on July 16th for a little altitude and warm weather training.
The light heavyweight rematch takes place at the Echo Arena, in what should be a blockbuster show now that Kevin Mitchell's grudge fight with John Murray has just been added.

But Bellew, whose fight with McKenzie also sees the vacant British title up for grabs, won't be having any late nights. Instead he's enjoying a spartan-style training camp to ensure he's in the best shape of his career.
In what is a predictable step following his appointment of former Culshaw conditioner and advisor Mark Quinn to his corner team, Bellew's new camp is filled with altitude runs on punishing Mount Teide, and strengthening his legs on the island's sandy beaches.
"I've not had many away camps since I turned pro," said Bellew. "I just needed to get away from all the distractions in Liverpool and fully focus on this fight with McKenzie. He's a dangerous opponent, and he proved that in our first fight when he had me on the floor.
"Out here, all I have been doing is studying tapes of McKenzie and preparing for him pretty much 24-seven. Even when I go to sleep, I'm dreaming about how I am going to beat him.
"It's probably one of the toughest camps I have had because I'm up early every morning and then working hard throughout the day.
"Everyone seems to be coming out for their summer holiday at the moment, but when they are out partying, I'm tucked up in bed. But it will all be worth it when I get my hands on that British title to add to my Commonwealth belts. And all my fans will definitely see the difference when it comes to fight night next weekend."
- Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com