By Dean Parr
On the 15th of January, Blackburn's Graeme ‘Dezzi’ Higginson took part in his most high profile bout yet when vying with Martin Gethin for the English lightweight title. Unfortunately, ‘Dezzi’ came up short, losing by margins of 99-92 twice and 98-92, but as he told BoxingScene.com, he remains positive for the future, and there were certain circumstances that marred his performance in the aforementioned fight against Walsall's Gethin.
“I felt that it was a very close fight and was very surprised with the wide score margins,” began the popular Northerner; indeed, this writer concurs with his opinion, thinking there was only a point in it. “I felt at the very least it could have been a draw it was that close. Personally, I thought I edged it with the better boxing,” ‘Dezzi’ declared.
He continued: “For the first two rounds, until I perforated my ear drum late in the second round, I felt I was boxing well on the outside as Martin is a naturally aggressive fighter that just keeps coming forward, which suited my style, and the gameplan was working well.
“Once the ear was perforated late in the second round though, I felt unbalanced and very uncomfortable trying to box on the outside, so from round three onwards, I found it difficult to keep my balance and felt more comfortable up close and tried to work on the inside where I didn't have to move as much. From here to the end, it became a close and at times a scrappy affair.”
Even though he didn't walk away with the gold, Higginson still took some positives from this outing. “To say I had a perforated ear drum that early in the fight and go the distance I think is testament to my mental strength and determination to win the English title,” he argued.
“I felt very strong, and really feel that I can settle in and grow in the lightweight division. It certainly wasn't the my best boxing performance due to the circumstances, but there definitely is no question about my heart.”
Injuries permitting, Graeme is hoping to be back in the ring soon. “[My perforated eardrum] is healing really well. I've just seen the consultant last week, and fingers crossed should be fully healed in four to six weeks. So I am just ticking over, staying in the gym keeping the weight off and hopefully I'll get back into to sparring once healed,” revealed Higginson.
“Hopefully, I can get back out fighting again either April or May depending on the ear. I would love a rematch if promoter Ricky [Hatton] and the team could make that happen.”
To finish up, a grateful 'Dezzi' had this to say. “I'd just like to say thank you to the Hatton team for getting me that opportunity, my coach Baz for getting me in terrific shape as always and the fans for the massive support and lovely messages. It's very much appreciated!”
