A former European champion stands in Jazza Dickens’ way as he sets out on the road to a second shot at the world featherweight title.
Dickens faces Andoni Gago over 10 rounds at Probellum Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena on April 22, on a huge night of world championship boxing in the city.
The 33-year-old will be fighting in his hometown for the first time in almost three years and fully intends on making the most of being back on his old stomping ground.
Dickens, who now trains under Peter Taylor in Dublin, returns to action after losing last summer’s IBF world title fight with Kid Galahad and knows facing Gago is a tough way to start off on the comeback trail.
“I am back in front of my home fans for the first time in almost three years and I am so determined to make this moment count,” Dickens said.
“I have been working extremely hard for the past half a year and given I am fighting in Liverpool I would be crazy not to soak it all up.
“The way my career has gone, I don’t know when I will be fighting at home again, so I plan on making the most of this opportunity in front of my fans as I rebuild towards a world title fight.”
Spain’s Gago held the European title at 126lbs between 2019-2021 and Dickens is under no illusions as to what faces him later this month in Liverpool.
“Gago is a really good opponent for me at this point,” Dickens, who has sparred Tyrone McKenna in the build-up, said.
“Given his record and what he has achieved in boxing, I know this will be a tough night and a very good challenge.
“But I am feeling no pressure, only excitement about being back in Liverpool.”
Dickens’ eagerly anticipated return forms part of a card which sees a world title double header later this month.
Local hero Paul Butler challenges John Riel Casimero for the WBO bantamweight title, while Sam Maxwell – a former amateur club mate of Dickens’ – goes for the IBO super-lightweight crown on a ‘life changing’ night.
A packed bill also features the latest professional contests for Peter McGrail, Rocky Fielding and the debut of stand-out amateur Luke McCormack.
