Formby Boxer Alex Dickinson made a flawless start to his professional career in 2017

Formby heavyweight, Alex Dickinson, 30, has made a flawless start to his professional career with another great year to look forward to.

2017 saw Formby Boxer Alex Dickinson turn heavyweight professional with his debut fight on Saturday 17th June with a third-round stoppage against the rather familiar Ferenc Zsalek, who was bloodied and bruised as the referee called a halt to the contest. Alex had won! The debut fight took place in Belfast at the Waterfront Hall and was screened on Boxnation.

He then fought Mladen Manev on 23rd September 2017 in Manchester Arena (formerly M.E.N Arena) winning again. The heavyweight, trained at the Everton Red Triangle, was now undefeated in two. Dickinson, who made his professional debut in Belfast back in June, was recently confirmed as an addition to the undercard of a world title fight. And it was on that undercard, as part of the supporting cast to Joseph Parker’s bid to retain his WBO heavyweight crown against Hughie Fury, that the 30-year-old scored a second inside the distance win. His hand was raised after two minutes and 11 seconds of the third round at the Manchester Arena after a thoroughly one-sided showing against Malden Manev.

His final fight of the year was on 18th November when he took on opponent Milen Paunov at The SSE Arena in Belfast and was screened exclusively live on BoxNation. Alex Dickinson maintained his undefeated ledger but was extended the distance for the first time. The 30-year-old heavyweight was delighted to get another victory on the undercard of Carl Frampton’s homecoming at the SSE Arena. Dickinson, fighting in the Northern Irish capital for the second time since turning professional back in June, outpointed Milen Paunov over four rounds.

Alex said: “I was hoping I could put on a bit of a better performance, if I’m honest. I was hoping that he’d open up a bit more, so that I could get my shots off, but it is what it is. A win is a win. His head was hard and he was a massive pain in the a**e, but I can’t thank the guys at MTK and Frank Warren enough for getting me on another massive world title show and on TV again. It’s on to the next one now and we’re hoping for some news soon.”

Alex was a highly decorated amateur winning the 2016 ABA Elite Super-Heavyweight championships turning his amateur success into the professional ranks and training at Everton Red Triangle gym.

Alex has been competing for six years and had previously been based at Kirkby ABC. His first fight was in 2011, competing in 16 amateur fights since then. He is very appreciative of the support his coaches, David Kenney, Paul Bennett and John Lloyd have given him. Alex said: “They have all done a lot for me and been behind me since day one. Over the last 2-3 years I had a lot of work commitments which were getting in the way of my boxing. At one point I was in London working, my three coaches got me back to Formby and back into boxing. They helped me lose the weight and focus everything on my boxing. I couldn’t have asked for a better amateur gym."

Undoubtedly the main highlight of Dickinson’s career so far came in 2016 when he won the Super-Heavyweight Senior Elite ABAs which Dickinson describes as “the pinnacle of English amateur boxing.” The fact that his success came on home territory made his win even sweeter.

“To do that in front of my home fans at the Liverpool Echo arena, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I have won three national titles before that and I have boxed for England as well. My main goal was to get that England vest because that means a lot to a lot of lads, and I managed to get that twice. I also got a GB Tri Nations title and I did that all within 16 fights which isn’t bad going for a fat kid from Formby!"

Spurred on by his success in the amateur ring, Alex wanted to embrace the professional arena. Not only does he have the talent but has a clear inner drive too.

"My inspiration to turn professional was myself. There was something inside me that says I've got more to go. I had a very good job but my head was focused on the boxing. I spoke to the right people about turning professional even when I was an amateur just sparring. The lads at Everton Red Triangle were all amazing. The gym is very homely and they helped me a lot. The gym is filled with talent and future world champions and If you surround yourself with champions you will be one.”

The connections Everton Red Triangle have with MTK and Frank Warren has enabled Dickinson to recently sign a deal with them both. Dickinson is in no doubt that this is a wonderful opportunity for him.

“I couldn't have asked for a better spring board with BT sport and Boxnation, Frank Warren is the main man.”

"I would like to just thank the support of the community and especially my sponsors! A massive help is a company in Liverpool called ‘Downing’ who are very good family friends. They have supported me from day one financially. It’s nice to know somebody believes in me and puts time and effort into me. I would also like to thank ‘B&B Construction’, Aesthetics of liverpool, Karen Parks, USC Gym and The Lunch Hour. Most of all to my main support who are my mum and dad. I couldn’t have done all this without them.”

"There are no fights planned at the moment but I am just waiting on news. I am also starting to do a bit of charity work and hoping to sort a day out at the Formby USC for the charity that is STICKnSTEP. I will keep you updated on that."

"If you want tickets add me on Facebook Alex Dickinson or my Instagram is alex87dicko. Just send me a message and we will be able to sort out tickets. And add me if you want to follow my journey."