Tony Dodson Interview - Part 1
- britishboxingblog
- Jan 11, 2016
- 3 min read
Image of Tony Dodson courtesy of boxingportraits.co.uk via Google
Normally we like to start off with a question about how the interviewee first got involved in boxing, however this was a little different. We were presented with a request. Could Tony’s 2 year old daughter say hello. Pleasantries out of the way and we were on to business. The “Warrior” told a story about a young man who many boxers can relate to. Bullied at school, hyper as a child and then a familiar film series that seems to inspire all who watch it.
“Rocky IV was the downfall of me. I went to the pictures in March ’85 I think, and from then I was hooked, never looked back. I went to my local gym and took to it like a duck to water.”
Stallone's Rocky character has a lot to answer for!
Dodson then went on to win his first title at the age of 12. The first of many. The conversation progressed to who Tony considers his boxing idols. The answers of Roy Jones Jr and Mike Tyson were ones I can definitely agree with. Iconic boxers who both brought something different to the sport. In their primes they were both feared and awed in equal measure. However it was another sporting great who really made an impression on Dodson.
“No heavyweight will do what Tyson did. Outside of boxing though, for me, Steven Gerrard is an absolute role model in how he conducts himself”
Next up for Dodson is an outing on the undercard of the David Haye vs Mark De Mori match at the O2 this coming Saturday. You can sense that he is excited to back boxing as much as on such a big show. As he correctly stated, the likeable Scowser has been on many great shows before and has experienced the pressure involved. This is a man who has won English and British titles at Super-Middleweight, fighting in large arenas in front of thousands of fans before. This is a man who won’t be overawed by the occasion.
As well as his previous experience, we also chatted about his new regime. Both George Vaughan and Scottie Hamilton received glowing reviews from now Light-Heavyweight. It is Hamilton who is now the man in charge and Dodson’s enthusiasm on this matter is clear. I then asked if Hamilton having boxed before brings anything extra to his fight preparation…
“A million percent! He knows what it’s like and knows how fighters think. If anyone was cutting any corners he can identify that sort of thing. He recognises different traits in his fighters.”
Having previously campaigned at Super-Middleweight, Dodson confirmed to British Boxing Blog that he envisions his future at the weight class above. His next bout is scheduled for Light-Heavy and this is where he undoubtedly sees his future. A lot is made in this day and age about the stress athletes put their bodies through to make weight. Listening to him, you can sense the relief as he first made 12st when he was 15 years old. At 35, and now fighting at his natural walking around weight, the Warrior seemed more relaxed and confident about his future.
Part 2 will be online soon.
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