Dodson out, David in - Prizefighter news

Liverpool's former British super-middleweight champion Tony Dodson has pulled out of the next Prizefighter tournament as he's miles away from the weight limit - while Northampton's talented but inactive Paul David has been added to the line up.

The tough Scouser was hoping to use the successful TV brand's next episode (June 30th from York Hall) to get his career back on track after successive losing efforts against city rivals Tony Quigley and Paul Smith.

However, at almost 14 stone, he admits he's never going to make the 12st 2lb limit for the knockout series – and revealed to the Liverpool Echo that he may struggle to ever get down again.

“I was 13st 12 on Friday before a full session. I then did almost three hours on Saturday and an eight-mile run on Sunday while seriously watching my food intake. But on Monday I was a pound heavier!

“I think after 15 years of making 12st my body has finally given up so I’ve told the promoters to replace me in Prizefighter so they can get someone in quick as I don’t want to spoil the show.

“I’m gutted, especially as I’ve been dreaming of fighting Tony (Quigley) again for months, but I have to be honest with myself and accept that it’s not going to happen.”

Quigley, also a former British champion admitted Dodson's situation is disappointing but won't let it get in the way of his goals. 

“It would have been nice to fight Tony again, especially if the draw came out as many had hoped and we’d fought in the final, but regardless I’m still going to win it with or without him.

“I’ve had a lot of experience with the competition already. I helped Carl Dilks prepare for the light-heavyweight event and was with him in London and I was also in Mark Moran’s corner for the super-bantamweights just last month.

“I know what the gameplan needs to be to win Prizefighter and I believe that it will suit me down to the ground. I’m looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Paul David has been added to the line up.  The 25-year-old has only had 14 bouts since making his debut more than four years ago (10-4).  The former Midlands Area and English belt holder, who trains at the Ingle gym in Sheffield, was most recently in the news for withdrawing from a match with Kenny Anderson on more than one occasion, due to either injury or illness.