Dodson believes Stubbs clash will elevate him to greater things

"After the (Paul) Smith fight it couldn’t get much worse. Now I’m married, I did well in ‘Prizefighter’, I have a title shot and I could well be fighting for a domestic belt by the end of the year. This could not only be the best year of my career, but the best year of my life,” began a reflective Tony Dodson.

For Dodson, (27-6-1 13KO), 2011 really was a make or break year. Having been defeated by cross-town rival Paul Smith in his British super-middleweight title shot in March 2010, many were writing the obituary of the former Lonsdale belt holder’s career. Passing thirty and without a big win in a number of years, the talk was that we may have seen the best of the Liverpool favourite.

The British scene watched with interest as Dodson, having moved up to light-heavyweight, took part in his first ever ‘Prizefighter’. The quick fire format has been the birthplace of a number of fighter’s careers, but has also been the graveyard of a number of ageing pugilist’s hopes and dreams. When Dodson was drawn in his quarter final against Michael Banbula, a man who had ended the career of former British champion Tony Oakey and also held Olympic Bronze medallist Tony Jeffries to a draw the signs were not good. This really could be the end.

The’ Warrior’ on the other hand had other ideas. Fighting through cuts above both eyes (both caused by head clashes), Dodson scored a well earned victory on points. He would go on to knock out unbeaten Menay Edwards in his semi-final before the cuts became too much and he was withdrawn by the Doctors. All in all a satisfying night for the likeable scouser.

“I was happy with the wins but not the cuts obviously. To be fair I only sparred three rounds in the lead up to ‘Prizefighter’ thanks to getting cut early on in my training. It never really affected me. I’m like Nigel Benn who would only ever spar about nine rounds before a fight, I’m a fighter and I don’t really need loads of sparring to get myself ready. What was most important was that I was now at light-heavy and I was no longer killing myself to make super-middle”

The final was eventually won by Travis Dickinson. Despite respecting Dickinson, Dodson feels he was destined to win the tournament, but for the injury. “Travis is a good kid, certainly one to watch in the future but this sport is about levels. I was a level above anyone else in that tournament, including Dickinson and I would have definitely won it, no doubt in my mind.”

Having got his career back on track, he faced off against Jamie Ambler in a four round scrap. Dodson looked sharp as won the fight on points. He was however floored in the final round, a decision he certainly did not agree with.

“It was ridiculous, the guy punched me on the neck and dragged me over; the whole crowd was laughing. But really, I don’t care; I thought the performance was a good one. Ambler is a tough lad and he makes it awkward for everyone he faces. You don’t have 60 pro fights, only getting stopped three times without knowing your way around the ring.”

Next up for the resurgent Dodson is an IBO international light heavyweight clash with Darren Stubbs on October 8th at the Liverpool Olympia. Tony admits to having a lot of respect for the former ‘Prizefighter’ finalist. Once again Tony believes it is all about levels.

“I remember when I was at a press conference in the build up to the Carl Froch fight in 2006. We were giving each other chat and he told me ‘the difference is that I’m world class and you are not, this will show on fight night. To be fair I didn’t like being spoken to like that at the time but now I see what he meant. This will be the same with Stubbs. He can train as hard as he wants but I am better than him and I am going to knock him out”

The IBO belt could well be a stepping stone to even greater things. For Tony, there really are some great nights out there, if of course he can win on October 8th.

“If I get this international belt, that will get me ranked highly by the IBO. I think (Bernard) Hopkins has vacated so I could end up fighting somebody like Jean Pascal for the full belt. That would be amazing and I would snap their hand off if they offered it me. But first I have to beat Stubbs and then stay busy. If a title shot comes up, be it international or domestic that would be great, but it’s one step at a time.”

2011 is not yet done for Tony Dodson; it could still end badly if the Darren Stubbs fight goes the wrong way. There are however no doubts in the Liverpool fighter’s mind that he is back on the up, and there are dreams of great years ahead.

“I really think I can have an Indian summer in my career, just like Michael Ayers and other guys have done. I really do believe the best is yet to come.”

October 8th will go a long way to answering that question. Lose to Darren Stubbs and the talk of future glories will come to nothing. Win and who knows what is round the corner, especially with Nathan Cleverley and Tony Bellew squaring off for a world title?

Tony Dodson, it is over to you.