IAN LEWISON SAYS HE WILL DESTROY TOM DALLAS INSIDE 3 ROUNDS

Hatfield Heavyweight Little latest to join Goodwin team

Hatfield's promising Tom 'Not so' Little is the latest big man to put pen to paper and join the Goodwin heavyweight bandwagon.

The Goodwins already have Ian Lewison, Tom Dallas, AJ Carter and Dominic Akinlade, with Tom becoming the fifth Goodwin heavyweight.

Little won his first three bouts before going into Prizefighter in 2012 at short notice and losing to Tom Dallas after winning the first two rounds but running out of steam. “I will never go into a fight unfit again,” said Little, who now trains with Barry Smith in London.

"To sign with Steve was a no brainer," said Tom. Apart from Matchroom, Steve Goodwin is the only one who will actually invest in a hevayweight's development in this part of the country. He gave Ali Adams his chance against Audley Harrison and has resurrected Ian Lewison's career. In fact it was Ian who highly recommended Steve.

"I aim to be in title contention within 12 months and am leaving the pathway to Steve as I trust his judgement," said Little.

Goodwin said: "Tom showed in his fight against Tom Dallas that he has the ability to mix it at a high level. I look forward to helping him realise his aspirations and give him every opportunity to get to the top of heavyweight boxing.”

Little makes his Goodwin debut on 5th October at Watford Colosseum in the 'Boys are Back in Town' show which features the Luton v Watford clash for the Southern Area lightweight title between Michael Devine and Liam Shinkwin

Lewison v Dallas - Big Heavyweight clash on!

Forget David Haye v Tyson Fury for the time being. A massive heavyweight clash takes place on 7^th September at York Hall where I an Lewison takes on Tom Dallas for the Southern Area title.

Both fighters have a lot to prove. Lewison is trying to use this fight to break into the big time whilst Dallas is looking to resurrect his career after losses to David Price and Matt Skelton.

This really is a crossroads fight for both and a fight where anything could happen.  Trainer Don Charles said “forget Haye v Fury this could be the heavyweight fight of the year”.

The fight headlines the Olivia Goodwin promoted “Brawl in the Hall”.

There is no love lost between both fighters. Dallas said “I cannot believe how many people fancy Lewison. He lost to Colin Kenna and drew with an Eastern European journeyman. He is my pass to title action and he will not stand in my way.” Lewison retorted “Dallas is going to get assaulted by me. Make sure you bring a pillow for him as I am gonna put him to sleep”.

This intriguing clash is part of an exciting 16 fights card where chief support is the grudge re-match for the Southern Area Cruiserweight title between holder Menay “The emperor” Edwards and JJ Ojuederie. Edwards won the first clash and what ended a bad tempered affair has ended up with a grudge re-match.

Lee Markham competes for the International Masters Super-Middleweight title and the show sees the return of former WBO International champion Tony Conquest in an 6 round contest. The show also features exciting heavyweight prospects Dominic Akinlade and AJ Carter and many others.

Limited tickets are available £100 VIP (sold out) £60 Reserved ringside (very limited) and £35 unreserved are available from www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – 13th JULY 2013 AT YORK HALL

THREE TITLE FIGHTS  featuring IBF African Champion the sensational Richard "Azonto" Commey 15 fights 15 wins 15 knockouts in a Commonwealth title final eliminator at lightweight.

As well as standard tickets and reserved ringside you can get VIP tickets which provide guaranteed tickets in the first two rows and a free bar in your own private VIP bar which will be open from 5pm until 8pm.

"Repeat or revenge" is the title for the chief support which sees an intriguing and exciting clash for the British Masters Heavyweight title where Ian "Layemout" Lewison (prizefighter semi-finalist) takes on Colin Kenna for the vacant title. Kenna beat Lewison in his last contest, Lewison wants revenge and his first title.

In a third title fight "Pretty" Ricky Boylan competes for the International Masters Bronze title against "The Hammer" Andrei Hramyka (10-6-3). The hard hitting Hramyka has won of his 10 fights inside the distance.

Miles Shinkwin competes in an 8 round contest at Light Heavyweight against Jon Anthony from Doncaster.

Heavyweight action with the return of the exciting Heavyweight Tom "The Bomb" Dallas from Kent. Tom has won 16 from 19 fights and has his first fight since signing with the Goodwin team.

Cruiserweight Robin Dupre (1-0) takes on the tough Paul "Maniac" Morris is a 4 round contest

Welterweight "Lights out" Luke Fowler makes a welcome return to the ring in a 4x3 contest.

Light Heavyweight Kevin Greenwood goes for his first consecutive win in a 6 round contest.

Making his debut is exciting Remel Scott-Pavelin at Light Heavyweight who has an International contest over 4 rounds.

For tickets call 01525-851150 or visit www.goodwinmainevents.co.uk or www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk

Tom Little Interview – Discusses Tom Dallas, Luke Martin, Graham Earl and more

By Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

I’m sure that anyone that watched Prizefighter – International Heavyweights - back in June 2012, will remember 25 year old Tom Little from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, not because he won or anything like that, but for the surprising way he exited the competition in the quarter-final against Tom Dallas.

I say surprising as Tom seemed to be cruising to victory, but after two sensation rounds dominated by the Hatfield man he ran out of steam mid-third round.

Doghouse Boxing’s Iain Dolan, who was ringside on the night, wrote in his report:

“Fight of the night was the 4^th quarter final between Hatfield’s Tom Little (18st 3lbs) and Tom Dallas. The flabby Little, in only his 4^th paid bout showed surprising hand speed and a big heart as he threw the kitchen sink at Dallas from the off.

Finding success with jabs and hooks both upstairs and down, Little looked to be on course for an unlikely victory as Dallas neglected defense in order to meet fire with fire.

Little started the 2^nd round with similar ambition but, from quite early on, was looking up at the big screen to see how long was left in the round. Little continued to throw leather and give Dallas problems although he was clearly gassed by the end of the round.

In the 3^rd it all fell apart for Little as he had just completely run out of steam. Dallas landed some good shots but it was 90% exhaustion that caused Little to crash to the canvas.

He managed to get to his feet but could barely stand so the fight was waved off.

If Little can find the discipline to spend more time in the gym and less time in KFC, he has plenty offer on the domestic heavyweight scene.”

That final comment may just have been the catalyst for the ‘rebuilding’ of Tom Little that has been taking place at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town over the past couple of months.

That may sound a little dramatic, but believe me I have seen the transformation, both physical and mental, that has taken place.

I first met Tom when he was preparing for his pro debut, against Rolandas Cesna in July 2011. I was invited by Graham Earl to come to Luton to interview his fighters that were to take part in an event promoted by him at the Liquid Night Club in Luton.

To describe the difference between the Tom I met then and the one I spoke with earlier today is unreal. Back then Tom was yet another flabby heavyweight.

He’s biggest selling point was his hand speed, ridiculously fast for a Light Heavy, let alone a Heavyweight, but his stamina was very, very poor, he was running out of steam after just a couple of rounds on the heavy bag.

Today Tom is almost a lean, mean fighting machine. Whilst yes he is still carrying a bit of excess weight, he really is beginning to look much more ‘fighty’

I watched as Barry Smith put him through the paces, six rounds on the heavy bag, followed by another six on the pads – oh and I don’t mean pitter-pattering I mean full on ‘fight level’ stuff.

The change is so extreme that I for one am looking forward to watching him in action, at Johnny Eames’ TKO Events promoted ‘Two Tribes’ event at York Hall in London on Saturday June 1^st.

If he performs at the level he did in the training sessions Tom Little may just be the breath of fresh air the Heavyweight division needs to ignite the fans interest once more.

As I said before I was amazed at his extraordinary hand speed, as well as the ease he is able to open up his opposition with both hands, so am sure he will become a serious crowd pleaser.

OK, enough of my praising the youngster, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Following the grueling regime Barry Smith, young Tom took some time out to talk about his career to date, his disappointing loss to Tom Dallas and of course the transformation since his move to the TRAD TKO.

Rio: So you’re fighting Luke Martin at York Hall on the 1^st June, what do you know about Luke and how do you see the fight going?

Tom: Luke Martin, well I don’t know a thing about him, don’t care all I know is I’m going to flatten him.

Training’s been really good, the sharpness is there and everything is coming together just right.

I’ve got a week of sparring to go, I’m really looking forward to that, then I’m ready to go, so Luke Martin watch out.

Rio: This will be your fifth professional outing, how has your pro career been to date?

Tom: I’ve had four fights, this will be my fifth, won three of them and my only loss was against Tom Dallas in Prizefighter.

I’m not going to make excuses, anyone that see it see that knows I didn’t get beat by the better man.

I was in a very bad place in my life at that time, I shouldn’t have been in a boxing ring, to be quite honest with you I shouldn’t have been around people full stop, I should have been locked away, because of the things going on in my head at the time.

That’s all behind me now though, I’m moving forward and I’ve got a good team behind me at last, in manager Johnny Eames and trainer Barry Smith as well as having a great camp at the TRAD TKO gym in Canning Town.

Rio: So you were lucky to get the three wins you have then?

I’ve been lucky, I fought the very capable Hastings Rasani in my second fight, funnily enough I was up here two days before my fight, Graham got Barry to give me some pads and he blew me out in two rounds, so you can tell what sort of fitness I was at.

It’s all changed now though, I’ve been at the TRAD TKO about fifteen weeks now, come down from about twenty stone and now weigh seventeen stone five. I’ve never boxed below eighteen stone before, ever.

For Prizefighter I only ever done roadwork and bag work and no other training for two weeks, so I’m confident now that I’m getting into good condition.

Rio: So you’re now in a ‘Good Place’ mentally and physically, so what can the fans expect to see of Tom Little in the future.

Tom: I know that people spout their mouth and say whatever, but I know there’s not a heavyweight in Britain that I can’t beat when I’m fit and believe me I am going to be in the condition of my life thanks to Barry.

This is literally a new start for me and I’m real pleased that Johnny and Barry have given me the opportunity to have this new start.

That loss to Dallas, a lot of people wouldn’t have given me a second chance, thankfully Johnny see something he liked and was happy to work with me.

Barry’s always liked the way that fight and he’d seen the things that needed changing. Everyone’s been working together and I’m confident that we really are going to shock everyone when they see me in action on June 1^st.

Rio: Changing tack slightly, could you tell the readers a little about your early amateur career please?

Tom: I was amateur from the age of twelve, up to seventeen. I had twenty two fights won eighteen of them, done real well as an amateur.

The last time I boxed as an amateur was as a Middleweight, then I went away and done my own thing.

Rio: So you walked away from boxing whilst an amateur, what changed for you to come back straight in and campaign in the pro ranks?

Tom: Funnily enough I went back into the gym to help me give up smoking and met Graham Earl.

Graham then offered me the chance to turnover, it all happened really fast, I got my head down, had three fights, which I won, under Graham Earl whilst I was training out of Luton.

Never did feel myself that I was fit, always felt there was something missing, someone was missing something out of the camp.

It really did open my eyes up when I went in Prizefighter under short notice and was literally left to train myself.

My current trainer Barry was there on the night, he noticed but obviously couldn’t say anything because I wasn’t his fighter at the time.

It really showed, I went in against someone I wasn’t expected to get anywhere with and gave him the hiding of his life for two rounds, but in doing this literally collapsed with exhaustion.

This really opened my eyes, so I went away to think things over. I then left my manager, left everything and come up to the TRAD TKO, where I was welcomed with open arms.

Rio: Has this change of management and coaching made that much of a difference then?

Tom: Barry Smith has really turned things around for me, before I couldn’t do two rounds in sparring for any of my other fights because I just didn’t have it in the tank, now I can spar up to ten rounds.

It makes so much difference being here, I’ve always got a coach, everyone puts in the best work to help, but the biggest thing is there is always sparring here, not just sparring but quality sparring against great opposition.

There’s a couple of good heavyweights up here, plus fighter friends of the gym. I had some sparring with Dereck Chisora and that, so the TRAD TKO has done a lot for me, in the short time since I’ve been up here, I’m very grateful to them.

Rio: I know you are focused on the fight with Luke Martin right now, but after that is there any fight you really want Johnny to make happen for you?

Tom: I’m really eager to get the rematch against Tom Dallas, I want to prove to everyone that the better man didn’t win on the night.

If he wants to hide behind his manager so be it, they say he doesn’t want it yet, but he can’t hide for ever and I’ll be there in his way wherever he wants to get to.

This will be my first fight under the TRAD TKO banner and I know that it’s the start of bigger things for me, including hopefully the rematch with Tom Dallas, I’ll go to Kent and drag him out if I have to.

Rio: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today, finally is there anything you would like to say to the fans out there?

Tom: To all the fans out there, come to York Hall on the 1^st June and see the real me, see what they were missing out on before because I didn’t have proper training before, they’ll see what I can do now that I have a serious people behind me and I’m in a good place.

Tom Little, against Luke Martin, is a supporting bout on the Colin Lynes versus Beka Sutidze headlines the BBBofC sanctioned Johnny Eames promoted ‘Two Tribes Go To War’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 1^st June 2013.

Tickets, priced £35 (Standard Seated) and £60 (Ringside) are available on line at www.tkoboxoffice.comor in person at the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town or direct from Tom Little or any of the fighters taking part.

HEAVYWEIGHT TOM DALLAS SIGNS WITH GOODWIN PROMOTIONS

Kent Heavyweight Tom Dallas is the latest fighter to sign a promotional deal with Goodwin Promotions.

Dallas now represents a trio of heavyweights under the Goodwin umbrella alongside Ian Lewison (promotional & managerial) and AJ Carter (promotional).

Dallas has won 16 of his 19 fights and last fought in the Heavyweight Prizefighter in June 2012.

After winning his first 16 fights he took a short notice fight against David Price which in hindsight was the wrong thing to do. Price despatched him in three and then in his next fight he went in with Matt Skelton. Dallas produced a lacklustre performance showing a total lack of confidence before being stopped in the fifth. Subsequently he fought in Prizefighter losing in the semi- final to eventual winner Tor Hamer.

Promoter Steve Goodwin was delighted to announce the signing. “There is no doubt Tom has plenty of talent but as I have always said it is important to bring a fighter on gradually. Tom was thrown in the lions den with Price and he then suffered confidence issues thereafter. We do things the right way and I am looking forward immensely to working with Tom and his team."

·         Team Dallas spokesman Dean Sutcliffe said “We at team Dallas felt it was high time to bring Tom Dallas back onto the British boxing scene. We have seen the way Goodwin Promotions have worked with other fighters and helped get their careers back on track and were impressed with their straight talking attitude to the game.

We feel that the three fight deal that we have signed with Goodwin Promotions will bring Tom back in the correct way and help him achieve his goals of winning a title. We aim to win at least a Southern Area title before the end of this year and depending on what happens in the British title mix get a British title Eliminator in the early part of next year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fans that have stuck by us in some difficult times and now let’s go and get that Belt.”

Tom will make his Goodwin Promotions debut on the title stacked “Trail of Destruction” card at York Hall on 29^th June.

FROCH DRAWS ALL-ENGLAND CLASH IN BETFAIR PRIZEFIGHTER INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHTS

Dallas and Little meet in final quarter-final – Sosnowski meets Harris in opener

Tom Dallas and Tom Little will clash in an all-English quarter-final at the Betfair International Heavyweights at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on June 20, live on Sky Sports HD1.

Three-time World super middleweight champion Carl Froch performed the draw at Sky Sports studios as the eight contenders for Wednesday nights action met for the first time at the promo shoot.

The Cobra picked Poland’s Albert Sosnowski out of the hat first and pitted the former World title challenger against American Maurice Harris. There’s a potential all-USA semi-final number one as Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson meets Moroccan Noureddine Meddoune in quarter-final two.

Quarter-final three sees New Yorker Tor Hamer against Brazil’s Marcelo Luiz Nascimento with the winner facing the victor in the all-England clash in quarter-final four, a clash that Dallas is relishing.

“There will definitely be an Englishman in the semis and I am confident it will be me,” said Dallas. “It’s a shame in a way that it’s England v England but it adds a lot of spice to what is already a big night.”

Tickets for the Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Wednesday June 20 are on sale now priced £40 (unreserved). Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com

Ringside and VIP tickets have sold out.

BETFAIR PRIZEFIGHTER INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHTS DRAW:

Quarter-final 1: Albert Sosnowski v Maurice Harris

Quarter-final 2: Noureddine Meddoune v Kevin Johnson

Quarter-final 3: Tor Hamer v Marcelo Luiz Nascimento

Quarter-final 4: Tom Dallas v Tom Little

MAURICE HARRIS JOINS BETFAIR PRIZEFIGHTER INTERNATIONAL II

June 7, 2012 - Heavyweight contender Maurice "Sugar Moe" Harris (25-16-2, 11 KOs), ranked No. 13 by the IBF, has joined the 8-man Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights II line-up set to take place on Wednesday, June 20, at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, live on Sky Sports. 

Harris will compete against fellow contestants Albert Sosnowski (48-4-2, 28 KOs), Marcelo Luiz Nascimento (16-3, 14 KOs), Noureddine Meddoune (5-1, 4 KOs), Tom Dallas (15-2, 11 KOs),Tom Little (3-0), Kevin Johnson (26-1 12 KOs) and Tor Hamer (15-1, 10 KOs).

After a questionable loss against local favorite Edmund Gerber (20-0, 13 KOs) in his native land of Germany last month, Harris, who felt he was robbed, promises to give it his all once again when he travels overseas to fight. 

"When I got robbed last month in Germany, I was upset and wanted to get back in the ring as soon as possible," Harris said. "I want to thank my promoter Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360 for getting me this opportunity.  Ten years ago, I fought in the Thunderbox Tournament and won it all, which is what I plan to do in this one."

"June 20 promises to be a real tear-up at York Hall with eight huge hitters gunning for the big prize," show promoter Eddie Hearn said. "Johnson, Sosnowski and Harris bring plenty of calibre to the table and for Dallas it's a big chance to crash the British heavyweight party.  As for Tom Little - what a night for a 24-year-old with just three fights on his CV. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain and I'm sure he will come out all guns blazing."

Tickets for the Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green are on sale and priced at $40 (unreserved) $60 (ringside) and $120 (VIP). Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.