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."
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