Tony Dodson Could Be Facing Harry Simon Next

By Terence Dooley

Liverpool’s Tony Dodson could be handed a chance of a lifetime later this year after news emerged that he has a shot at former WBF light-middleweight and middleweight titlist Harry Simon in the pipeline. 

Dodson told Merseygloves that he is waiting to sign the contract for a September 30th bout in Africa for a version of the light-heavyweight world crown.  The ‘big four’ belts, WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO, are all accounted for leaving the IBO belt the most likely choice unless the WBU strap is exhumed for this 175lb clash.  

Dodson has agreed in principle to the deal and is now waiting for confirmation of the bout.  “The fight has been agreed verbally, I am just waiting for the contract now,” revealed Dodson when speaking to www.merseygloves.com .

“It will be a life changing experience for me, but I've told the promoters I want to get out there early and acclimatize.  I am 100% up for the challenge and I will have a game plan in place for Harry Simon.  Don't get me wrong, the man is a legend, and I will give him all the respect he deserves.  I am grateful for this chance.  But I will be coming home with that belt and as the first man to ever defeat one of the greats.  It's the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Simon has a perfect 26-0 (19) record; however he had a long period of forced inactivity due to a jail sentence for dangerous driving in 2002.  ‘The Terminator’ returned to action in 2007, a decision win over Stephen Nzuemba, before entering another period of inactivity that was broken by two stoppage wins last year.

Dodson made his name at super-middleweight, thrice competing for the British belt against Carl Froch, Tony Quigley and Paul Smith respectively, before moving up to 175lb for January’s Prizefighter: The Light-Heavyweights tournament which saw him progress to the final only to miss out due to a cut above his right eye.  A former star amateur, the 31-year-old calls himself ‘The Warrior’ and is keen to upset the odds come September.

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