Dallas pays the Price

At the start of the week and after notching up 14 consecutive wins Gillingham’s Tom Dallas was enjoying his longest gym break of three weeks since turning professional nearly two years ago. Ironically 26 year-old ‘Big’ Tom was also looking forward to sitting ringside in Liverpool as Olympic bronze medallist David Price faced battle-hardened John McDermott in a British heavyweight title eliminator.

However, four days before they were scheduled to meet, McDermott withdrew leaving promoter Frank Maloney the unenviable task of finding a suitable last minute opponent for the live Saturday Sky show. Maloney had first attempted to land former British and Commonwealth holder Michael Sprott who having sparred over one hundred rounds with world champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko would have certainly provided a stern examination of the Liverpool giant`s title credentials.

Sensibly, his veteran trainer and manager Jim Evans politely declined with the knowledge Sprott will challenge Alexander Dimitrenko for the European crown in August which left Maloney with even fewer viable options. The Kent based promoter revealed to me “Everyone bar Chisora and Fury (who square off for the British and Commonwealth titles on July 23rd) was offered the fight.”

Both former Commonwealth champions Sam Sexton and Martin Rogan were also approached while recent international Prizefighter champion Mike Perez wasn’t considered because “there was no value in taking it as he is a southpaw,” added Maloney. Recently Maloney had said in reference to Dallas and Price, “I have got to keep the best two heavyweight prospects apart until something big comes up” but with the pressure from broadcasters Sky to keep the show going Dallas was offered and accepted the match with less than a week to prepare for his biggest match to date.

One could ask why must the show go on at all costs and what would happen if Tom had said no? When I put this to Maloney he replied “I don’t know but he didn’t.” Sky are understood to pay promoters around £80,000 for each televised show and currently hold the major cards in British boxing TV networks.

Predictably, once the live broadcast was under way the hogwash began as the Sky team tried to convince the viewers an exciting and even contest awaited. But as the cameras gave an insight into the two fighters' dressing rooms it quickly became apparent from his body language, that Dallas didn’t believe victory was possible and in less than two rounds those doubts were confirmed. A solid Price right hand flattened the 6ft 6ins giant, destroying his unbeaten record in the process. Sportingly Price quickly consoled his friend and a man he has spent many rounds sparring.

Undoubtedly Price has an array of talents which could yet see him follow Frank Bruno, Herbie Hide and Lennox Lewis as recent British world heavyweight champions leaving Tom to boast, “I have shared the ring with a world champion.” Defeat needn’t be the end for a boxer although Tom’s after fight honesty opened up a can of worms when admitting (I have) ‘not trained since (my) last fight’, a bout some thought Dallas had lost.

It was only last month when American Zack Page appeared to have warranted the referee's verdict as he frustrated Dallas over eight rounds but the home fighter was given the nod. Page became the first man to take Dallas over six rounds as eleven of his previous opponents hadn’t extended Tom beyond three rounds and offered little more than target practice.

While Tom admits to receiving a career best pay day of £26,000 and having no regrets I do become concerned on his revelation of inadequate preparation. Having received the offer from his manager Mark Roe (who claims 25 per cent of his charge’s purse) on Tuesday Tom suggested taking a training session on the pads with trainer Andy Kidd that evening to assess his condition before making a decision. Dallas admitted he felt fresh from his break and that it was ‘hard money to turn down’ and said he had completed another workout the following day.

Apart from his dented pride Dallas remains upbeat and is relishing more top flight tussles with the likes of Rogan, Sexton and McDermott but a first loss affects boxers differently. While the money is a consolation Tom may one day look back and wish he had bided his time but when you're not one of the sports top earners it is perfectly understandable to take the treasure on offer.

As a result of his setback Tom may find it hard to regroup although he has already been provisionally pencilled in for a return after the summer break. My hope for Dallas and boxers presented with seemingly prosperous offers is they ensure peak mental and physical condition is an ongoing lifestyle with few exceptions so that their not left short changed in the ring at the moment of reckoning. Despite being 46 Bernard Hopkins became the oldest champion in boxing history last month and is a visible model of dedication and discipline.

In stark contrast there has long been the unhealthy and undisciplined philosophy of some British fighters who shun maintaining consistent discipline in their lifestyle without a fight date on the horizon. Dallas' timing and fitness were not at their premium and although he hadn’t ballooned in weight like many fighters taking bouts at short notice, Tom needed to be at his best and anything less would result in the eventual outcome.

As pound for pound favourite Floyd Mayweather prepares for another comeback against Victor Ortiz in September fighters everywhere would reap the huge benefits of emulating the Money Man’s methods. Back in 2009 Mayweather visited England as part of his build up to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez. With the fight still several months away Mayweather was keen to showcase his skills to the masses inside East London’s Peacock gym. As the road was brought to a stand still his team photographer remarkably revealed that Floyd was just two pounds over fight weight.

It’s the kind of consistency that has helped keep him untouchable. Britons are sometimes accused of copying Americans. Boxers from these shores would do well to follow on this occasion.