Dodson's ready to beat a friend on Saturday night

HayemakerBoxing · Mar 24, 2009

http://www.hayemaker.com/News/Default.aspx?Entry=81

Former British super-middleweight champion Tony Dodson will now have to defeat a friend in order to lift his old crown, following the withdrawal of Brian Magee from their March 28 dust-up.

Due to Magees back injury, Dodson now locks horns with Merseyside rival Tony Quigley, a man hed been helping prepare for his own bout on March 28.

Id been giving Quigley tips on how to beat Paul David (English champion), the guy he was originally supposed to be fighting on March 28, explains Dodson. Quigleys a mate of mine and I wanted to see him win that fight. I wanted to see him lift the English title and then set up a fight with me.

Middle man cut out, Dodson and Quigley now get it on together earlier than either expected. At the Echo Arena, Liverpool, Dodson and Quigley will contest the vacant British title over 12 rounds.

Their friendship has been temporarily placed on hold.

Ive got a job to do and Im going to do it, states Dodson. I dont care who it is in front of me, I need that British title back.

The closer the fight gets, the more Quigley becomes my enemy. Hes trying to take something from me and I cant let him. Hell feel exactly the same way about me. Its just business at the end of the day.

Although disapointed to learn of Magees injury, Dodson was quickly bouyed by news of Quigleys emergence as a possible replacement.

Ive been the **** of Liverpool for the last 10 years and its about time someone else stepped up to the plate and gave me a challenge, explains Dodson. Quigley is that man. Ive now got to prove why Ive been Liverpools number one for so long. Its going to be a painful lesson for Quigley.

Even though Dodson has stayed in-the-loop with Quigleys progress ahead of their March 28 date, the Liverpool super-middle doesnt expect any awkwardness when they stare across the ring at one another.

I dont think it will be awkward at all, he says. To be honest, Ive already spoken to Tony on the phone about it. Weve agreed that business is business and that nothing will stop us being friends at the end of it.

This doesnt need any bigging up or bad-mouthing from either of us. The people of Liverpool know this is a genuine fight between two of their own. Hes a good fighter, Im a good fighter and all I can say is sit back and enjoy.

Given his close relationship with Quigley, Dodson isnt about to take his local rival lightly. He knows what the younger man can produce.

Hes got snappy hands, good speed and has all the talent, assesses Dodson. Hes got good amateur pedigree and plenty of ability. The thing is, hes never been over six rounds and hes never been in with anyone as good as me.

Mark my words, though, Quigley is no pushover. Hes a terrific fighter on his night and has a lot of natural talent.

Dodson expects Quigley to grab his chance with both hands given the circumstances. Nevertheless, Dodson isnt without motivation of his own.

I am in the greatest shape of my life right now, he boasts. Its going to be my night on March 28. Once I step through those ropes at the Echo Arena, the idea of friendship will be completely out of my mind. Ill be staring across the ring at someone who is looking to take my British title.

I dont just want to beat Quigley on March 28, I want to win well and look fantastic doing it. Thats what Im hoping for.

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achillesthegreat · Mar 25, 2009

Tony Dodson posts on here. I wonder if he'll make an appearance.

ishy · Mar 25, 2009

I've just won a pair of tickets to this show (courtesy of Boxing News) :happy:happy:happy

Now I need to sort out how to get there :think

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Dodson's ready to beat a friend on Saturday night

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